BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Nelson, Kadir. 2008. WE ARE THE SHIP. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 9780786808328
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
In this beautifully illustrated tribute to Negro League Baseball, Kadir Nelson takes readers on a spectacular journey through time. The book begins with a touching and passionate foreword by Hank Aaron in which he talks about the “legends” who “paved the way” for black players like himself. Sections of the book are divided into innings, staying true to the baseball theme. Told from the perspective of “every player,” Nelson lures the reader along with the interesting facts and history surrounding the Negro League, such as the fact that the first protective gear worn in baseball was worn by Bud Fowler, a black player. In addition to interesting facts, the book also takes a fascinating look at the challenges, cruel treatment, triumphs, and determination of these players. Nelson skillfully unveils the racial tensions of the times, such as the fact that black players were not allowed to play alongside whites in many areas, through the events surrounding the beginnings of the Negro League. Nelson also discusses the significance of Rube Foster, the “brilliant” player and manager who ran the Chicago American Giants team before organizing the Negro League. The title of the book takes on noteworthy meaning as Nelson quotes Foster as saying, “We are the ship; all else the sea.” The differences in game play between the Negro Leagues and predominately white leagues are also highlighted and explained. Many extras are included in the book, such as a list of Negro Leaguers who made it to the Major Leagues, a list of Negro Leaguers in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, a bibliography, endnotes, and an index. An extensive author’s note at the end of the book describes the inspiration and research behind the book, and Nelson explains why he “chose to present the voice of the narrator as a collective voice, the voice of every player, the voice of me.” While the text is passionate, informative, and moving, it is the artwork that truly makes WE ARE THE SHIP a masterpiece. Library Media Connection (February 2008) says that Nelson’s artwork “pulses with life,” and the stunning foldouts and realistic paintings add a whole new dimension to the book. This is a nonfiction work of art that is emotional, beautiful, and filled with triumph and determination, making WE ARE THE SHIP highly recommended for all ages. In speaking of the great black players of today, the collective voice of the narrator says, “We cleared the way for them and changed the course of history. And knowing that satisfies the soul. How can you be bitter about something like that?”
CONNECTIONS:
Encourage students to visit the following website for more information on the history of Negro League Baseball: http://www.negroleaguebaseball.com/.
The artwork in WE ARE THE SHIP is truly breathtaking. Encourage students to visit Kadir Nelson’s website to look at other examples of his artwork: http://www.kadirnelson.com/.
The Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall, Texas is running a “We Are the Ship” art exhibit featuring Nelson’s artwork in the book through November 1, 2009. Visit http://www.michelsonmuseum.org/ for more information.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (January 2008):
“Nelson's brilliant, almost iconic paintings vividly complement his account. Starting with the impressive cover painting of a proud, determined Josh Gibson, the artist brings to light the character and inherent dignity of his subjects. Hank Aaron, who started his Hall of Fame career in the Negro Leagues, contributes a heartfelt foreword. This work expands on the excellent overview offered in Carole Boston Weatherford's A Negro League Scrapbook (Boyds Mills, 2005). It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.”
From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (February 2008):
“Through text and artwork that pulses with life, Nelson has created a book that brings personality to the Negro Baseball League. Using the voice of "Everyman" in the league, this book will attract readers because of the full and double-page vibrant, realistic oil paintings, and immerse the reader in the compelling story being told.”
From BOOKLIST starred (February 2008):
“Nelson often works from a straight-on vantage point, as if the players took time out of the action to peer at the viewer from history, eyes leveled and challenging, before turning back to the field of play. With enormous blue skies and jam-packed grandstands backing them, these players look like the giants they are. The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves. For students and fans (and those even older than the suggested grade level), this is the book to accomplish just that.”
Coretta Scott King Award Winner 2009
Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner 2009
Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book 2009
Notable Children’s Book 2009
Best Book of the Year 2008
Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2009-2010
Wilson’s Children 2009
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (January 2008):
“Nelson's brilliant, almost iconic paintings vividly complement his account. Starting with the impressive cover painting of a proud, determined Josh Gibson, the artist brings to light the character and inherent dignity of his subjects. Hank Aaron, who started his Hall of Fame career in the Negro Leagues, contributes a heartfelt foreword. This work expands on the excellent overview offered in Carole Boston Weatherford's A Negro League Scrapbook (Boyds Mills, 2005). It is an engaging tribute that should resonate with a wide audience and delight baseball fans of all ages.”
From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (February 2008):
“Through text and artwork that pulses with life, Nelson has created a book that brings personality to the Negro Baseball League. Using the voice of "Everyman" in the league, this book will attract readers because of the full and double-page vibrant, realistic oil paintings, and immerse the reader in the compelling story being told.”
From BOOKLIST starred (February 2008):
“Nelson often works from a straight-on vantage point, as if the players took time out of the action to peer at the viewer from history, eyes leveled and challenging, before turning back to the field of play. With enormous blue skies and jam-packed grandstands backing them, these players look like the giants they are. The stories and artwork are a tribute to the spirit of the Negro Leaguers, who were much more than also-rans and deserve a more prominent place on baseball’s history shelves. For students and fans (and those even older than the suggested grade level), this is the book to accomplish just that.”
Coretta Scott King Award Winner 2009
Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner 2009
Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book 2009
Notable Children’s Book 2009
Best Book of the Year 2008
Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2009-2010
Wilson’s Children 2009
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