Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way
Illustrator: Paul Lee
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 5 to 8
Harcourt, 2001 ISBN: 978-0152020934
Hank Aaron was one of those lucky people who know just what they want to do with their lives, he wanted to be a major league ball player. With determination Hank set about achieving that goal. When he was a boy it seemed that his dream was practically unreachable. Then Jackie Robinson broke the racial barrier when he went to play for the Dodgers. Now Hank knew that an African-American could get into the major leagues. Hank’s talent was considerable and it wasn’t long before he was offered the opportunity to play for the Milwaukee Braves. Hank became the second youngest player to win a National League Batting title and he played so well that he began to threaten Babe Ruth’s 714 runs record. The closer Hank grew to the record the more hate mail he began to get and his family became afraid for his safety. Then the press found out about the hate mail and wrote about it in their newspapers. Fans from all over the country wrote to him offering support and encouragement. In 1973, to the roar of fans, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record.
This is a wonderful story about perseverance, courage and the determination of one man to do pursue his dreams in a hostile world.
