Parents' Guide to

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Amazing paintings + compelling history = a grand slam.

Book Kadir Nelson Sports 2008
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

valley girl
valley girl Parent of 9-year-old
March 20, 2013
age 8+

For the Avid Baseball Fan Young or Old

This is a wonderful book for children and adults as well. I would say this is a book best read with your child especially for ages 7 and under. It's a book that you will have on your coffee table for years to come. My son particularly enjoyed learning about each of the different players and their nicknames. This book was a great way for children to learn about segregation and the struggles African America baseball players had playing in the Negro League. The illustrations are amazing and the history about baseball, civil rights and Negro League was educational.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Even staunch fans of baseball may not know the stories of the Negro League. During segregation, gifted African-American athletes created their own league. Beginning in the 1920s, the actions of these hard-working, passionate athletes helped to create the game of baseball as it's played today. Kadir Nelson writes about their struggles and successes and includes the personal anecdotes that truly make history come alive. He writes from the vantage point of an anonymous player to create a stronger sense of intimacy. This decision also gives him sway to personalize and editorialize some of the stories, helping kids understand the context of some of the players' more troublesome behaviors.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

You could take away the fascinating, well-researched text and this book would still be a stand-out. Nelson's paintings showcase the players as the heroes they were and give added emotional heft to their compelling stories. The athletes stand tall and serious, making eye contact with the reader to bring kids into the narrative.

Fortunately Nelson's words do his pictures justice. This is no boring history book -- the narrator has a relaxed way of telling the stories that is sure to interest most kids (and their parents). This is a much needed, beautifully produced book that belongs on the shelves of both baseball fans and history buffs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the history of the Negro League isn't common knowledge and take note of the ways the Negro League impacted the way baseball is played today. The extensive bibliography in the back also gives kids more ways to explore the players and the league.

Book Details

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