Promises to Keep by Sharon Robinson

[Mary]

I think this book deserves consideration. Please read the book and share your comments.

Thanks!

[Steven]

I enjoyed the point of view, seeing the legendary athlete through a daughter’s eyes. Somehow it makes a difference to read “my father batted .342…” Makes it personal and lets us see him as much more than a baseball player or civil rights hero. The writing was fine, but not exceptional. It comes more alive with the family stories than with the history and background. There wasn’t quite as much “inside information” as I’d hoped for. For instance, she writes that there were many reports about Robinson’s meeting with Branch Rickey, but it seems like her version is culled from these same reports. It’s still an inspiring story, though.

[AmyV]

I think the thing I liked about this book WAS the personal perspective. I don't like to read books about sports heroes that are just one long string of statistics, etc., so this was appealing. I also thought the captions on the pictures were interesting in their personal commentary tone as well. (Do authors write captions or is that an editorial task?) Probably the captions don't count, but...enjoyable just the same. Which brings up another point: I wonder if that book would have the same impact without the photos.

[Mary]

I don't believe it would be as good without the photographs and captions. However, the Sibert critera (http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/sibertmedal/sibertterms/sibertmedalterms.htm)
states:

* High quality in writing and illustration. Clarity and accuracy of presentation in both text and illustrative material, as well as appropriate documentation, distinctive use of language, excellent artistic presentation in illustration.
* Stimulating presentation of facts, concepts and ideas.
* Engaging writing and illustration.
* Appropriateness of style of presentation of information for topic or subject and with respect to the different age levels for whom the book may be appropriate.

From that, I take it to mean that the illustrative material is very important to consider. I also think that is especially true in informational books for young people. The Newbery Award is the one that is a bit more confusing to me as far as how illustrations are considered. If I remember correctly, they aren't to be considered unless they take away from the text.

I'm looking forward to our discussion on Saturday (January 8). For those of you who can't attend, I will add a thread to this site with a summary of our discussion and the Mock Award winners.

Teresa