School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Jackie Robinson's daughter tells a story that takes place during the family's first Christmas in Brooklyn. Not everyone was happy to see a black family move in to the neighborhood. Young Steve Satlow, an avid Dodger fan, and his parents are exceptions; they welcome the Robinsons and become friends. On Christmas Eve, Steve is helping the Robinsons decorate their tree when Jackie learns that the Satlows don't have one. He shows up at their home with a tree for Steve, and his wife comes later with extra ornaments. They then learn that the Satlows are Jewish. What could have been an awkward moment becomes a lesson in tolerance and friendship. Lewis's lovely paintings do a fine job of conveying the time and place in this heartwarming story.-Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Robinson, Jackie Robinson's daughter, adds to her oeuvre with this Christmas anecdote, based on family history, about cultural differences and common ground. Young Steve Satlow's Jewish family welcomed the Robinsons to their Brooklyn neighborhood, while others protested their arrival. Befriending his baseball hero, Steve mentions that his family doesn't have a Christmas tree and, not realizing that the Satlows don't celebrate Christmas, Jackie brings them one. It's a wonderfully human moment, the awkwardness of which is eased by laughter and the spirit in which the gift was given. A tender and nuanced holiday story, all the more moving because it's true. Ages 3-up. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.