ELLEN SCHWARTZ

Top Ten Sports Books for Youth 2007, Booklist magazine

Canadian Children’s Book Centre, starred Our Choice

Shortlisted for Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award

Chosen for the 100 Book Challenge, American Reading Association

Sydney Taylor Notable Book, Association of Jewish Libraries

Shortlisted for Chocolate Lily Award

 

Set against the great Jackie Robinson’s non-violent bid to break the sports colour barrier in 1947, Stealing Home tells the story of recently orphaned Joey Sexton. Shunned by his black peers for being too “light” and by whites for being too “dark,” the nine-year-old struggles to find acceptance with his new-found Jewish family, especially his unbending grandfather – the one person whose affection he wants most. Will Joey, like his hero Jackie Robinson, be able to “steal home”?

 

“Excellent writing style propels the novel, making it almost impossible to put down…. Family relationships and challenges are well developed… the novel is faithful to the reality of the era and culture and… would make an excellent novel for classroom use and discussion.” – Resource Link

 

“Sports, racism and social change – and a child’s simple desire for home – combine in an excellent book which appeals to both boys and girls.” – Children’s Book News

 

Teacher’s Guide

 

Tundra Books, 2006

ISBN: 978-1-77049-041-3 (1-77049-041-8), 217 pages, paperback, ages 8-12