10 Best Jackie Robinson Books for Kids of All Ages

Jackie Robinson is a name that everyone has heard of. The first African-American baseball player became an inspiration to millions of people; and not just from the black community but throughout the country.

He was the player who managed to break the color line that was prevalent in American baseball. He won numerous awards during his ten-year-long career, including the All-Star for six consecutive years!

He is a person that children should know more about and look up to. He had contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement and is a definite source of inspiration to children of all ages. With that in mind, we have made a list of the best children’s books about Jackie Robinson.

The Best Jackie Robinson Books to Inspire Your Kids

Jackie Robinson is a person who manages to inspire anyone when they read about his story.  Kids are in dire need of a role model who can encourage them and give them the kick they need to achieve greatness in life.

There are several books on Jackie Robinson that can inspire the kids. However, we have picked out the best three that we think should be on your priority list.

  • Our #1 Choice: Who Was Jackie Robinson? One of the best books you can afford, this book will give kids an overall idea about the legendary baseball player. With easy language, this book serves as the perfect introduction to Jackie Robinson.
  • Best Value Pick: I am Jackie RobinsonAn easy to read book; this will teach kids about the meaning of respect, hard work, and the drive to become the greatest.
  • Best Budget Pick: The Hero Two Doors Down This book takes a different tone to the story of Jackie Robinson with a fictionalized tale of the legendary baseball player. This makes an interesting read for the kids.

1. Who Was Jackie Robinson?

This book is our number 1 choice; it introduces the kids to Jackie Robinson as a child who loved sports. He was a strong person who managed to break the color barrier in major basketball leagues.

His story is inspiring as he had to face a lot of criticism and hatred but managed to get through all that to become one of the best the world has seen. The book serves as a great introduction and outlines the key details from Jackie’s life.

Additionally, the book throws light on the civil rights movement and is written in a way that younger children can understand something as important as that. The book is concise and thorough.

  • Best suitable for Age: 8 to 12 years
  • Grade Level: 3 to 7
  • No. of Pages: 112
  • Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5

2. I am Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson started playing at a time when rules weren’t fair for African Americans. Even though he was a great player, he had to struggle a lot. This book is a perfect way to introduce the kids to this important part of their history.

The book has great illustrations that capture the kids’ attention and help them stay focused on the story. It also has a lot of positive messages and that is why this book was picked for the best value category.

  • Best suitable for Age: 5 to 9 years
  • Grade Level: Kindergarten -to- 4
  • No. of Pages: 40
  • Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5

3. The Story of Jackie Robinson

This book will bring in a view new to the kids. People now are able to pursue any sort of career irrespective of their skin color or race. However, that was not always the case for minorities or people from different races in America.

The book will shed light on the life and struggles of Jackie Robinson and how he managed to face all the challenges head-on and become such an inspirational figure.

Through this book, the kids will be able to realize how this man’s dream gave rise to opportunities for many other people.

  • Best suitable for Age: 6 to 9 years
  • Grade Level: 1 to 2
  • No. of Pages: 64
  • Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5

4. The Hero Two Doors Down

This book contains a fictionalized take on the story of Jackie Robinson and has been considered as a high-quality read. The book is written with simple language so that kids can understand and relate to the same.

The book is a very sweet tale of the families of two neighboring families. It teaches about relationships with parents, struggles of people, and how people deal with emotions.

These concepts are written in a thoughtful and kid-friendly manner, and it makes for a great night-time book for children.

  • Best suitable for Age: 9 to 12 years
  • Grade Level: 4 to 7
  • No. of Pages: 208
  • Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5

5. In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

One of the most interesting aspects of this book is its different take on the story of Jackie Robinson. The story talks about a young Chinese girl who migrated to America and her view on the rise of the baseball star.

The book shows how lonely it was for the girl to adjust to the new country and the culture shock following her arrival. She also is unable to speak English and feels lost in America.

She becomes a baseball enthusiast and follows the journey of Jackie Robinson, and becomes a driven and motivated person.

  • Best suitable for Age: 8 to 12 years
  • Grade Level: 4 to 7
  • No. of Pages: 176
  • Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5

6. My Little Golden Book about Jackie Robinson

The book captures the challenges that Jackie Robinson had to face in a way that children can understand and learn from the same. The book is written in simple, easy to understand language.

The beautiful illustrations and the pictures of the book also help to capture the little kids’ imagination and attention. Definitely, it is a book that you should buy for your kids.

  • Best suitable for Age: 2 to 5 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool -to- Kindergarten
  • No. of Pages: 24
  • Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5

7. 42 Is Not Just a Number

This book is a biography of the trailblazing baseball legend Jackie Robinson and follows his story of victory and triumph. The book highlights the various stages in the baseball player’s life in a very straightforward manner.

The book focuses on how he played an essential role in breaking racial barriers. Additionally, it is very inspiring and interesting for children who will have a great role model to look up to.

  • Best suitable for Age: 8 to 12 years
  • Grade Level: 3 to 7
  • No. of Pages: 128
  • Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5

8. Jackie Robinson and the Story of All Black Baseball

Like the rest of the books on Jackie Robinson, this book also follows the inspirational tale of the celebrated baseball player and his struggles. However, there is something much more in the book.

The book covers the rise and fall of the black baseball community with interesting facts and pictures as well.

  • Best suitable for Age: 7 to 9 years
  • Grade Level: 2 to 4
  • No. of Pages: 48
  • Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5

9. A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson

Talent, hard work, courage, and determination; are the concepts that your kid is bound to learn after reading this book. This book is brilliantly illustrated to capture your kid’s attention and is extremely informative.

This book is educational and with the simple writing language, it is a must addition to a kid’s library. The book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson in clear, crisp writing that will leave your kids in awe.

  • Best suitable for Age: 4 to 8 years
  • Grade Level: 1 to 3
  • No. of Pages: 32
  • Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5

10. Thank You, Jackie Robinson

This book is a story of a young boy and an older man and how Jackie Robinson played an important role in both of their lives. The friendship between the boy and the man is developed due to their mutual love and admiration for baseball.

The book handles mature and complex concepts of love, loss, prejudice, and friendship in a way that younger children can understand the same. This book is one of a kind when it comes to books about Jackie Robinson and is a must buy.

  • Best suitable for Age: 8 to 12 years
  • Grade Level: 3 to 7
  • No. of Pages: 128
  • Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5

That is it, folks! This was our list of some of the best books on Jackie Robinson for kids. Hopefully, these books will help your kid learn about one of the country’s legendary players and civil rights contributors. Additionally, Jackie Robinson will soon become one of the role models your kid looks up to. Have a great day ahead!

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