Barry Denenberg

This was a good look at the events leading up to Pearl Harbor from the viewpoint of a twelve-year-old girl. Amber and her family were new arrivals to Hawaii, and I liked seeing her adjust to the vastly different environment. Her narration of the events of that day was vivid, and I could feel her horror and fear. The aftermath was also described well, especially Amber's volunteering at the hospital.

I liked Amber's curiosity and how she embraced the new experiences of living in Hawaii. Her friendship with the Japanese girl, Kame, was sweet, and I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other.… (more)

A complete biography, Stealing Home deals with many issues surrounding Jackie Robinson's life, not just the desegregation of baseball with Branch Rickey and the Dodgers. Starting with his parents' childhoods, it takes us through his childhood, his brother's athletic accomplishments, his military service, his baseball career, and his work, philanthropy, and family life after retirement from baseball. This book doesn't shy away from racial realities, and treats them in a matter-of-fact tone. The full scope of Jackie's life is addressed, however, and kids will get a human look at this harbinger and hero.
I'd recommend this book for readers 3rd-grade and up, to anyone interested in baseball, Black History, American desegregation, or biographies.… (more)