We are the ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship. NY: Hyperion.

      Kadir Nelson has created a masterful tribute to the men who worked, played, and struggled in the Negro League Baseball. The continual first person perspective divided up into nine innings show both the pride and pain faced by men like Rube Foster and Jackie Robinson. The baseball story line mirrors the moments in history starting in the 1920's and the plight of a black athlete in a white world. Nelson's creative telling of their story is nearly overshadowed by the incredible paintings that that bring to life the men and teams who have more than earned their place in American sports history.

Textbook Assignment #2

Evaluative Criteria - Style

      The amazing stories of gifted athletes who faced discrimination, low wages, and horrible conditions to pursue their dreams come to life through the use of Kadir Nelson’s beautiful paintings. The first person narration reveals a knowledgeable voice that tells the good, the bad and the ugly without any hint of hate or contempt. The stories speak to the injustice these men faced while the paintings perfectly depict the brave men who simply wanted to play baseball.

Evaluative Criteria - Accuracy

     The depth of knowledge and research that created We are the ship shows Kadir Nelson’s commitment to telling this story in an honorable way. Not only were the American league players thoroughly detailed, but the owners and managers who faced and fought discrimination get to tell their story. The large, beautiful portraits demonstrate Nelson’s passion for the game, these men, and their place in history.

Teaching Books
http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=10325

Storyboard Lesson
http://www.storyboardthat.com/teacher-guide/we-are-the-ship--the-story-of-the-negro-league-baseball-by-kadir-nelson