Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson

Testing the Ice is a warm, wonderful story by Jackie’s daughter Sharon, illustrated with the amazing oils of Kadir Nelson. As Sharon tells the story of how her dad braved the ice one winter so she and other kids could go ice skating, you feel as if you are sitting around the living room hearing it live. And it will bring (happy) tears to your eyes!

An author’s note provides additional background on his life.

Evaluation: This book makes a great start for both kids and adults to get an intimate glimpse of the real Jackie Robinson, and what his life was like outside of baseball at home with his family. And what better way to do so than with the breathtaking pictures of Kadir Nelson, who adds so immeasurably to any story he illustrates. show more Highly recommended for all ages! (JAB, who refuses to read any children's book unless Kadir Nelson is involved, not only loved this one, but also had (happy) tears in his eyes at the end!) show less

I read this for a challenge of "winter sports" which, the cover shows, counts. But of course this amazing book is about an amazing man who is most famous for what he did in the summer. The book is beautifully written by the daughter, Sharon Robinson, of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. And powerfully illustrated by a favorite of many of us here at Children's Books, Kadir Nelson.

So, it also goes on "Black History" shelves, for sure.

I like that the Robinson kids make close friends with the neighbors, though they are white. And I like that Branch Rickey is given credit, which imo he deserves because he had to have nerve, too, to integrate the Dodgers.

I very highly recommend it. And if your library doesn't have it, suggest show more that they consider buying it. show less

Testing the Ice is not your typical biography of Jackie Robinson. It is written by his daughter, Sharon Robinson. While it does briefly go into the reasons behind her father's fame, the author also tells the tale of a winter day when her father ventured out, alone, onto the ice of their lake, making sure it was safe for the children to skate on. The story provides a simple but effective metaphor for the ways in which Jackie Robinson forged a path for Black men to enter main-stream American sports. The book is uncomplicated but lovingly written and illustrated, making it a worthwhile book to read to young students.

I loved this picture book. First I liked the big message. It takes courage to face the unknown. "In fact, Dad showed the same courage on the ice that day as he did when he broke the color barrier in baseball." I also like the first person point of view from Sharon Robinson. "And best of all, he was home more." It gave a new perspective on Jackie Robinson as more than just an amazing baseball player, but a loving father too. Overall this story shows how important it is to be brave, even when the outcome is unknown and failure is a possibility.

This is a wonderful little known story about Jackie Robinson as a family man. We get a glimpse inside the real life of Jackie Robinson and one of his biggest fears and how he conquers it. The story also presents an overview of his real accomplishments as a successful Black baseball player. Terrific resource for Grades 2-8.

A story richly told by Jackie Robinson's own daughter and through warm illustrations that clearly convey the strength of Jackie Robinson's character, both as a leader and as a father --
The story uniquely juxtaposes the quality of bravery found both in Robinson's baseball career as well as his family life. Just as he is willing to test the ice to make sure his family is safe, he bravely walks upon thin ice when he enters the world of professional baseball as the first black athlete to cross the racial barrier.

This is a brief history of Jackie Robinson's entrance into professional baseball alongside the story of him testing ice and not knowing how to swim. This book uses the metaphor of testing the ice on a frozen lake and compares it to Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. It was a good story but the language was so mature and the baseball terms were heavy that I think this book would only be good for older readers. I wish it had focused more on Robinson's career because it feels like two really short stories mushed together to make one longer story.