In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

  In the Year

Iluvsoftball of Kzoo, 5/25/2017

How would you feel if you had to move to a different country and couldn't speak its language? In, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord, Shirley Temple Wong emigrates from China to America. When she gets to America, she goes to school. Shirley is made fun of at school, because she is from China and can't speak English. Shirley is experiencing prejudice from kids at her school, because she is Chinese. Shirley's parents try to cheer her up with piano lessons and roller skates. Then, Shirley's new friend, Mabel, introduces her to the game of baseball. "Before long, Shirley was infected by a most severe case of Dodger fever. Not even strawberry ice-cream could lure her away from the radio when Red Barber (the announcer on the radio) was broadcasting the latest adventure of De Bums (Dodgers). Truly nothing else mattered." Shirley is inspired by the Dodgers' Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player in the Major Leagues, because he plays baseball and so does Shirley. She's also inspired by him, because they are both experiencing prejudice, due to their different races.

My favorite part is when Shirley was introduced to baseball, because I like softball, which is similar to baseball. Shirley is extremely excited when she is introduced to baseball. Baseball is helping her overcome prejudice, because baseball makes her happy and gives her an opportunity to make friends.

I liked this book, because it shows you should be kind to others, no matter what their differences may be. This book is perfect for me, because I like baseball and softball like Shirley. I would recommend this book to those who are ten years of age and older. I would also recommend this book to people who want to learn more about prejudice.