Families who loved Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels they have to choose between two different parts of their identity, such as being an athlete or being an artist. It is perfect for the child who feels like an outsider because their interests don't seem to fit together. This beautifully illustrated biography follows Ernie Barnes, who grew up in the segregated South and became both a professional football player and a world renowned painter. It celebrates the idea that we are multifaceted beings and that our unique perspectives are our greatest strengths. Parents will appreciate the gentle way it handles historical segregation while focusing on Ernie's resilience and his refusal to be put into a single box. It is a powerful tool for building self confidence and encouraging children to pursue all of their passions with equal fervor.
