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Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Published: 2007 Lee & Low Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1584302690 Chapters.ca Amazon.com

This riveting roller coaster of taunts, talent and tenterhooks relays a true story of suffering and success and invites us to examine the troubling shadow of racism and the resiliency of those who rise above it.

Check out the full list of non-fiction picture books nominated for the 2007 Cybils Awards here.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or anyone else who enjoys reading books with kids, Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer is a great book that will inspire discussion.
It can be a short conversation or can be expanded into more in-depth learning activities or lessons. Here are just a few ideas.

Baseball

• Discuss the sport and its most prominent figures, past and present
  
• Tell your child Jackie Robinson's story who faced similar issues as Louis Sockalexis
• Compare and contrast the game today to the game back then; in the book, there are many obvious differences, both in the text and illustrations
• Talk about your favorite team or players
• If you or your child plays baseball, discuss an important game you or he/she played

• Talk about the Native American culture, their traditions, and the pride they have in their land and people; why was it important for Louis's father to accept him? What impact did Louis's achievements have on his people?
• Discuss a Native American tribe in your area if applicable
• Visit a museum or exhibit that features Native American culture, art, people
  
• Talk about other famous Native Americans...in the past and present. How are they portrayed in the textbooks and culture?
  

• Louis was treated poorly because he was a Native American...talk to your child about how he/she felt about this and how they think Louis felt. Talk about his strength and determination.
  
• What other groups are victims of racism? Discuss the Civil Rights Movement and the Trail of Tears.
• Have they witnessed or experienced racism first-hand? Have you?
  
• How should you respond when someone makes a racist remark or joke? What should you do if someone is being treated unfairly?
  
• What is the difference between racism and prejudice? What groups are victims of prejudice?
  

This week's nonfiction choice

Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer

• Author: Bill Wise
• Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
  
• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books (March 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584302690
• ISBN-13: 978-1584302698

The year is 1897, and Louis Sockalexis, a baseball player for the Cleveland Spiders is in New York getting ready to face Amos Rusie, the major league’s most formidable pitcher. Getting to this point was not an easy road for Louis, a member of the Native American Penobscot tribe in Maine. Confronted with callous racism and his own father’s disapproval, Louis’s passion for baseball prevent him from giving up his dream. Regarded by many as one of the best players in the league, this momentous game will change his life and the public’s view of him forever.

Bill Wise’s account of the first acknowledged Native American major league baseball player is nonfiction but reads like a story. We are taken back to Louis’s childhood when he plays his first baseball game and falls in love with the sport. We watch him grow into a man and a powerhouse slugger, and we witness the insults, the stinging words, and the prejudice he faced every day. As I was reading, I found myself feeling anger towards the people, empathy towards Louis, and great excitement as Louis stood at the plate. The sepia tones of Farnsworth’s illustrations take us back to the time period, but I hardly noticed the pictures as I was reading because I was so involved with the story. Much more than a book about baseball, Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer is a book about determination, hard work, adversity, and acceptance.

This would be a great pick for a baseball fan or someone who is interested in learning more about famous Native Americans. In addition, it’s a nice book to prompt discussion about prejudice and racism, but I’ll talk more about that tomorrow when discuss reading tips and discussion opportunities.