Child of the Dream: A Memoir of 1963 - by Sharon Robinson

About the Book

"In January of 1963, Sharon Robinson turned thirteen the night before George Wallace declared on national television 'segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever' in his inauguration for governor of Alabama. That was the start of a year that would become one of the most pivotal years in the history of America. As the daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon had incredible access to some of the most important events of the era, including her family hosting several fundraisers for Martin Luther King Jr. at their home in Connecticut, other Civil Rights heroes of the day calling Jackie Robinson for advice and support, and even attending the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs. But Sharon was also dealing with her own personal problems like going through puberty, being one of the only black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood, and figuring out her own role in the fight for equality. This memoir follows Sharon as she goes through that incredible year of her life"--

Book Synopsis

An incredible memoir from Sharon Robinson about the pivotal year of the civil rights movement -- and her unique role in it alongside her father, baseball legend and activist Jackie Robinson.

In January 1963, Sharon Robinson turns thirteen the night before George Wallace declares on national television "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" in his inauguration speech as governor of Alabama. It is the beginning of a year that will change the course of American history. As the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Sharon has opportunities that most people would never dream of experiencing. Her family hosts multiple fund-raisers at their home in Connecticut for the work that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is doing. Sharon sees her first concert after going backstage at the Apollo Theater. And her whole family attends the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. But things don't always feel easy for Sharon. She is one of the only Black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood. Her older brother, Jackie Robinson Jr., is having a hard time trying to live up to his father's famous name, causing some rifts in the family. And Sharon feels isolated-struggling to find her role in the civil rights movement that is taking place across the country. This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.

Review Quotes

Praise for Sharon Robinson

Child of the Dream

★"A lovingly honest memoir of a racial-and social activist-past that really hasn't passed." -- Kirkus Reviews starred review)

"Robinson's unique viewpoint, accompanied by illuminating photographs from this charged historical period, offers plenty to hold readers' attention." --Publishers Weekly

"An inspiring tale of personal struggle, this should engage readers who enjoy history and learning about social progress." --Booklist

Praise for The Hero Two Doors Down

"The story drives home the impact of Robinson's pioneering, not just for the game but for the country following it." --Birmingham News

"This charming tale offers up good fodder for discussion about prejudice, discrimination, friendship, and family." --Booklist

"A home run for baseball fans and anyone who loves an inspirational friendship story." --School Library Journal

"The story is just as down-to-earth and remarkable as the actual baseball star." --Kirkus Reviews

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Praise for Promises to Keep

"Jackie Robinson is the most important person in the most important spot in the history of our country." --Ken Burns, award-winning filmmaker

★ "In captivating words and pictures, Robinson chronicles the life of her legendary father. She weaves historical events into the story of one of baseball's greatest players, revealing how they shaped his life. Her text, combined with numerous black-and-white archival and family photographs, reproductions of newspaper headlines, magazine pages, and letters, illustrates Jackie Robinson's journey from childhood to the moment that he integrated major league baseball to his life as a businessman and civil rights spokesperson." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

★ "In this photo biography, Robinson offers an affectionate profile of her father who, she writes, "taught me to flip pancakes, hit a baseball, question political leaders, solve problems, and keep promises." The author's concise history of race relations in the United States enables youngsters to understand the underpinnings of the "segregated world" into which Robinson was born and the racism and injustices he encountered throughout his private and professional life." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An excellent and much-needed addition to the Jackie Robinson story." --Kirkus Reviews

"There are numerous biographies about Robinson available for young people, but none have this book's advantage of family intimacy. In a personal account, Robinson's daughter, Sharon, describes her father's youth, his rise to become major-league baseball's first African American player, and his involvement in the civil rights movement." --Booklist

About the Author

Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, is the author of many acclaimed works of fiction and nonfiction. She has written several books about her father, including Promises to Keep, Testing the Ice, The Hero Two Doors Down, and Jackie's Nine: Jackie Robinson's Values to Live By. She is also the author of the memoir Child of the Dream and the picture book Under the Same Sun about her family in Tanzania, as well as the middle-grade novels Safe at Home and Slam Dunk!