We Are the Ship:

The Story of Negro League Baseball

Nelson, K. ( 2008). We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.

Before Jackie Robinson paved the way for African American ball players to play in the major leagues, African American baseball players played in the  Negro baseball leagues.  This book tells the story of dedicated players that played in the Negro League in the 1920s through the end of the league in 1960.  Kadir Nelson tells what life was like for these ball players, from the way the game was played, to life on the road, and to the treatment these men faced due to segregation. He also tells of the famous players in the league such as Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson, and Satchel Paige.  Each chapter tells of players, teams, owners, the history, and the game of baseball in the Negro League.  The story concludes with the end of the league.  After Jackie Robinson was signed in the majors in 1947, it opened the door for other African American players to sign with the major league teams.  These great players made it possible for the game of baseball to be changed forever. 

This book is full of interesting facts, stories, and players from the Negro League.   If you are not a fan of baseball, you soon will be after reading this well written text.  Fans of baseball will love reading about these ballplayers that played with all their heart, body, and soul.  A great combination of storytelling and facts that will keep you reading from the beginning to the end.  Furthermore, the  illustrations of the players, teams, and owners are full of emotions and beautifully painted.