We Are the Ship

We Are the Ship tells the story of Negro League Baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its decline after Jackie Robinson joined Major League Baseball. The narrative covers multiple decades of triumphs and challenges faced by African American baseball players during segregation. The book presents firsthand accounts and stories through a collective voice, as if the players themselves are sharing their experiences. Nelson's oil paintings accompany the text with portraits of players and scenes from games. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of Negro League life, from traveling conditions to interactions with white teams to legendary players like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The text includes statistics, records, and historical context about segregation in America. This baseball chronicle serves as both a sports history and a window into the broader American experience of segregation, perseverance, and social change. The players' stories reveal how baseball intersected with civil rights and human dignity during a pivotal time in U.S. history.

Readers appreciate the detailed illustrations and comprehensive history of Negro League baseball presented in an accessible format. Multiple reviewers note how the artwork captures players' personalities and brings the era to life. Parents and teachers report the book engages children while teaching them about this important period in baseball history. Readers liked: - First-person collective narration style - Historical photographs that inspired the paintings - Balance of stats, facts, and personal stories - Focus on lesser-known players alongside stars Main criticisms: - Text can be challenging for younger readers - Some found the timeline structure confusing - Price point considered high by some buyers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (180+ ratings) School Library Journal: Starred review Common reader comment: "The artwork alone makes this book worth owning." Several teachers mentioned using it successfully in grades 4-8 for both art and history lessons.

When Jackie and Hank Met by Cathy Goldberg Fishman Baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Hank Greenberg cross paths in 1947 in this narrative about breaking barriers in baseball and society.

Only the Ball Was White by Robert W. Peterson This history chronicles the Negro Leagues through stories, statistics, and accounts of legendary players from Josh Gibson to Satchel Paige.

Fair Ball by Derek Jeter The Baseball Hall of Famer shares stories from his youth baseball career and the Negro Leagues players who influenced the game.

Stealing Home: The Story of Jackie Robinson by Barry Denenberg This biography follows Jackie Robinson's path from the Negro Leagues through his historic integration of Major League Baseball.

Stars in the Shadows by Charles R. Smith Jr. The 1934 Negro League East-West All-Star Game comes to life through play-by-play accounts and player profiles.

⚾ Kadir Nelson spent seven years researching Negro League Baseball, interviewing former players and studying thousands of photographs to create the stunning artwork and authentic storytelling in this book. ⚾ The book's title comes from a quote by Negro Leagues legend Rube Foster: "We are the ship; all else the sea," reflecting how Black baseball players navigated through the turbulent waters of segregation. ⚾ Many Negro League games drew larger crowds than Major League Baseball games during the same era, with some games attracting more than 40,000 spectators. ⚾ The paintings in We Are the Ship were created using oil paints on wood panels, with some illustrations measuring up to 42 x 60 inches in size. ⚾ The book won the 2009 Coretta Scott King Author Award and the Sibert Medal for excellence in informational children's literature.