Learning about Louis Sockalexis: First Native American Baseball Player Book
Each November during Native American Heritage month (www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov), I try to expose my son to different aspects of Native Culture.
Note: I received product sample for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
So far I've
- Taught him about Native American's with African Americans ancestry
- Taken him to The National Museum of the American Indian
- And introduced him to Aboriginal and Polynesian culture
But as my son grows, so does his need to learn more. And not just more information in general but more current and modern information. It's sad to say but a lot of what we know about Native culture is based on the past. A past of which many Native Americans are no longer part of.
Many Native American have not only adopted American culture, but also thrived as being part of this new dual culture. Where are those stories?
I discovered one when I received for review the book "Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer" by Bill Wise, which tells the story of Penobscot Indian Louis Sockalexis journey from when he first discovered baseball to being part of a major league team and dealing with the racism of that time.
The book is beautiful illustrated with scenes that take up the whole page. My son was immersed in the story as he learned how Louis Sockalexis stood up to his traditional dad and chose a path different outside of his culture.
The book was also honest about the hardships Louis Sockalexis faced as the first Native American to play major league baseball. A point many Native Americans are still dealing with today as they try to build new lives for themselves in modern society.
But while being part of a cultural change can bring hardships, it can also bring success. The book completes Louis Sockalexis journey by sharing his role in the historic game at New York’s Polo Grounds in 1897. And further shares how he helped pave the way for other Native American athletes.
This book was a great way to share more about modern Native American culture and how they've become part of the "American" society.
Both my son and I enjoyed learning more about current Native American history. We encourage you to do the same also.
About the Author
18 comments
I love, love, LOVE this series. Native Americans and their contributions to this country are far too often overlooked.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not my dad would love this book! I might actually look at giving this to him for christmas.
ReplyDeleteThis book is great. Here in New England, Indian culture is very rich, so my kids know a lot about them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that you are teaching your son about his roots. It is great to stay connected in kid-friendly ways.
ReplyDeleteWow, you certainly sound like a responsible parent! Native Americans are such an important part of this country.
ReplyDeletewhat a great book! I love the illustrations. And it would be such a fascinating story to learn the experiences of Louis Sockalexis and what it was like.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are teaching your son about the different cultures and heritages. This seems like a fantastic book.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. I love teaching my kiddos about different cultures and such. It's fun for them too my kids always ask. This sounds like a great book - Jeanine
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic book. It would make a great gift for my friends Son. It is so important for kids to learn about different cultures.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a beautifully illustrated book. I will have to pick up a copy for my girls to read.
ReplyDeleteI love books that teach kids about the diversity in our world. I will have to check out a copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteI love to see kids reading about subjects like this. One of my sons favorite books is about Louis Armstrong!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting book! I will definitely put it on my winter reading list!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! My son loves to read anything sports I will have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic. I actually didn't know about Louis myself! This is why I'm loving your posts this month!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great book. It is awesome to teach children about their heritage.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting. This will be the perfect gift to my nephew who loves baseball.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book for kids. We all need to appreciate baseball and Native American culture and this is a great way for children to learn about how the two merge together into one story.
ReplyDelete