Henry Aaron's Dream by Matt Tavares

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


There are a lot of books about Jackie Robinson, but this book has an interesting perspective--it looks at how Robinson's breakthrough to the Major Leagues was a seminal moment in the life of Henry Aaron.

The illustrations are incredibly rich with detail. I have at least two favorites: there is one in which Tavares has Aaron looking at the lineup posted in the dugout with his name in the leadoff spot; another has Aaron sliding in to second base, ahead of the tag being applied by Jackie Robinson. With the first, I recognized some of the players listed for both teams, an element of authenticity that reminds me that with specificity comes credibility. In the latter, I could not help but wonder whether people watching that play in the exhibition game had any idea of what lay in store for Aaron's career. I doubt that any would have believed that he would go on to become baseball's all-time home run leader by the time of his retirement.

Henry Aaron's Dream is much more than a baseball book--it is a marvelous recapturing of attitudes during the Civil Rights movement and a lesson in perseverence. It also reminds us how important it is to have role models and inspirational figures that lend substance to the dreams we pursue. One can only imagine the seismic impact of Barack Obama winning the presidency, the importance of breaking that glass ceiling for African Americans. We are another day closer to no longer referring to people as "the first person of color" to do this, or "the first woman to" do that, and so on. I find it intriguing that, when growing up, I never gave any thought as to Hank Aaron's race. The books always talked about about Robinson and his Dodger teammates (especially Roy Campanella), Larry Doby, Roberto Clemente, and guys like Minnie Minoso and Buck O'Neal. But Aaron's story is integral to understanding race as it impacted baseball, American sports and American culture in general.

This book gives the reader an importance glimpse as to Aaron's development prior to reaching the Show, and I think it is a must-read for baseball enthusiasts, as well as those who are studying African American history. I believe it merits consideration for all ages, although I should note that there are two uses of n-word that could spark trouble if not appropriately addressed. While the use of the word does lend authenticity to the story, it likely spells the end of read-aloud opportunities without changing the word. Some others may believe differently, but I'd suggest a 'courageous coversation' in regards to the implications of the word if it is read aloud.





View all my reviews