Module 12 - Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way

Golenbock, P. (2001). Hank Aaron:  Brave in every way.  New York:  Gulliver Books.

Summary:

This picture book tells the biography of Hank Aaron.  It begins with his childhood, highlighting the fact that he was very poor, but lived in a house full of love.  His parents’ high expectations for him are emphasized, with their advice of “be the best you can be, and keep your eyes on the goal” repeated throughout the book.  His baseball career is told from his beginning in the minors through his time with the Minnesota Braves.  As he begins to approach the record Babe Ruth made hitting home runs, the reader is reminded of both his determination and his parents’ advice.  The hate mail and death threats he received as he approached his goal are discussed, and examples of them can be read in the illustrations.  The story also tells about the thousands of letters of support he receives when a newspaper publishes an article about the hate mail.  The story ends with Hank Aaron making his 715^th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.  As he crosses the home plate, he is met by his mother. 

My Impression:

I did not expect to like this book as I don’t have an interest in baseball.  I had no idea that Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.  I certainly had no idea about the hate mail and death threats he received.  The book is told in such a tender way, the reader feels the love in his family.  At the end of the book, when the other players make room for his mother as he crosses the home plate, I became teary.  This is a wonderful book.  It not only tells about Aaron’s life, but includes opportunities to discuss families, determination, racism, and overcoming obstacles.  I am so glad I read it.

Library Usage:

This book could be read to third and fourth graders prior to a research project on the Civil Rights movement.  The book contains dates that Aaron achieves certain goals, and students could find out what was occurring in United States at those times.  They could create a timeline for Aaron’s life and compare it to a timeline of Martin Luther King, Jr’s life.  Students could discuss how King’s work influenced Aaron’s life and choices. 

Review:

Gr 1-3 --This richly illustrated biography tells the story of the Hall of Famer by placing him in the proper historical context and attempting to humanize him. Aaron, a southern country boy, followed his dreams under the strict, but loving guidance of his parents. Despite his mother's wish that he attend college, he took a job on a professional team and rose quickly to the top as a home-run hitter. However, with racial tensions at an all-time high in the United States, his journey was not without problems. Hate mail and threats began to chip away at his hopes for success, until Aaron's adoring fans helped keep his dream alive. What Golenbock does well is capture the feel of 1960s' America, swelling with civil-rights tension. He deftly tells the athlete's story and proves that his subject certainly was "brave in every way." At times the narrative is a bit slow and the style is dry. Still, this baseball giant is brought down to earth as readers learn of his humble past and his personal struggles. Lee's strong, full-page acrylic illustrations in rich tones and textures work well and give the story depth and intensity.

Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Larkins, J., & Sneeringer, H. T. (2001).     
          Hank Aaron: Brave in every way. School Library Journal, 47(8), 168.