Child of the Dream (A Memoir of 1963)

by Sharon Robinson

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"In January of 1963, Sharon Robinson turned thirteen the night before George Wallace declared on national television 'segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever' in his inauguration for governor of Alabama. That was the start of a year that would become one of the most pivotal years in the history of America. As the daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon had incredible access to some of the most important events of the era, including her family hosting several fundraisers for Martin Luther King Jr. at their home in Connecticut, other Civil Rights heroes of the day calling Jackie Robinson for advice and support, and even attending the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs. But Sharon was also dealing with her own personal problems like going through puberty, being one of the only black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood, and figuring out her own role in the fight for equality. This memoir follows Sharon as she goes through that incredible year of her life"--… (more)

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It's powerful to hear stories directly from the Civil Rights movement, and Sharon Robinson has a unique voice -- child of a celebrity, Jackie Robinson. Family in the spotlight at the time, growing up in Connecticut, as one of the few Black families in their neighborhood. It's an interesting contrast of her family's relative wealth and power and the vulnerability of their visibility. Took a while for the narrative to take off, but Sharon's wonderful compassion, her courage, and her family's commitment to change is worth waiting for. (

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jennybeast | Apr 14, 2022 |

Sharon Robinson thinks back about her time in 1963. She's an 8th grader and it is a formative time. The family has frequent conversation about civil rights. Her dad, Jackie Robinson, is in the circle and a major draw for fundraisers. As the Birmingham Children's Crusade happens, Sharon longs to be more involved. The whole family heads to the March on Washington. Sharon thinks about racism in the south but also needs to confront northern racism as well during her time growing up in Connecticut. A good balance of the personal and the macro. (

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ewyatt | Dec 16, 2020 |

Sharon turns 13 in 1963, a pivotal year for her personally and for the civil rights movement. Sharon feels increasingly disconnected from the predominantly white community in which she lives and more interested in connecting with the black community, such as through Jack and Jill activities. Her famous father, Jackie Robinson, is active in his support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the civil rights movement. As the news of protests and arrests becomes more distressing to the family, they decide to up their involvement as a family. They host jazz festival fundraisers at their home and participate in the March on Washington together. When the parents and especially Jackie explain the issues of the civil rights movement, it comes off sounding as formal as a newspaper article or textbook passage, not very parental or family-oriented. It's otherwise an intriguing account of a baseball legend's daughter at a key point in the civil rights movement. (

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Salsabrarian | Mar 20, 2020 |

This is a memoir written by Sharon Robinson, Jackie Robinson's only daughter. This book portrays the view from a 13 year old African American in the year 1963, and her families journey with the civil rights movement. This book is well written, and really adds a close up look to what families were going through at that time. A wonderful book to create discussion, and show us the world through her eyes. Also included in her author's note at the back of the book, are some dates and events that are pivotal points in history. Another wonderful inclusion are some black and white photos of her family just being together, others where they are marching in Birmingham, and some with Martin Luther King Jr. (

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SWONclear | Mar 11, 2020 |

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Awards

Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee – Grades 6-8 – 2022)

Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee – Middle School – 2022)

Notable Lists

The Best Children's Books of the Year (2020)

NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People (6-8 – 2020)

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"In January of 1963, Sharon Robinson turned thirteen the night before George Wallace declared on national television 'segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever' in his inauguration for governor of Alabama. That was the start of a year that would become one of the most pivotal years in the history of America. As the daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon had incredible access to some of the most important events of the era, including her family hosting several fundraisers for Martin Luther King Jr. at their home in Connecticut, other Civil Rights heroes of the day calling Jackie Robinson for advice and support, and even attending the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs. But Sharon was also dealing with her own personal problems like going through puberty, being one of the only black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood, and figuring out her own role in the fight for equality. This memoir follows Sharon as she goes through that incredible year of her life"--

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