Jackie Robinson: An American Hero
Overview
Want students to read more? So does Townsend Press. That's why we created the Townsend Library—a collection of high-interest paperbacks that engage readers. These books feature compelling human stories and include an afterword and author commentary to deepen readers' enjoyment. Acclaimed by educators and readers alike, each Townsend Library book is available to schools for $3.
More information
When rookie first baseman Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, he was doing something that no black man had done in the 20th century: playing major league baseball.
There were many people who didn't want him there. In the days and weeks to come, fans would shower him with racist slurs; opposing players would spike him; death threats would arrive in the mail. But through it all, Jackie Robinson knew that by defying the racists, he was opening up baseball to a long line of talented young men who would come after him, men who had been denied their chance before. He would be the man at the front of the line.