Name: Child of the Dream (A Memoir of 1963)
ISBN: 9781338282825

Sharon Robinson

An incredible memoir from Sharon Robinson about one of the most important years of the civil rights movement.

Child of the Dream (A Memoir of 1963)

An incredible memoir from Sharon Robinson that follows her turning 13 years old in 1963 -- one of the most important years in American history for the civil rights movement! In January of 1963, Sharon Robinson turned 13 the night before George Wallace declared on national television "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" in his inauguration for governor of Alabama. That was the start of a year that would become one of the most pivotal years in the history of America. As the daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon had incredible access to some of the most important events of the era, including her family hosting several fundraisers for Martin Luther King Jr. at their home in Connecticut, other civil rights heroes of the day calling Jackie Robinson for advice and support, and even attending the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs. But Sharon was also dealing with her own personal problems, like going through puberty, being one of the only black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood, and figuring out her own role in the fight for equality. This memoir follows Sharon as she goes through that incredible year of her life.

A Memoir of 1963

Child of the Dream

Katy B

A look at life in 1963 through the eyes of someone who was 13 years old at the time. Sharon Robinson tells the story of what it was like growing up the daughter of Jackie Robinson in a mostly white neighborhood and a mostly white school. While her life is drastically different from blacks in the south, her heart breaks everytime she hears news of the arrests and mistreat of blacks in the south during their peaceful marches and protests. Each news story Sharon hears affects her more and more. A paper she wrote in her social studies class impresses her teacher and makes her teacher more aware of events in the south so she decides to help the rest of the class learn about these current events as well. 

Sharon Robinson did a great job writing her story in a way that will engage readers and help show the what the world was like in 1963 for blacks. At the beginning she talks about her birthday party, her horse, and the school dance. Kids will find Sharon relatable since these are issues they face today as well. As the story goes deeper, depending on their race, class, where they live, etc. may not be the same as Sharon's, but because she initially set the the story up as someone kids relate and identify with, it will really help them see life through her eyes and lens in 1963.

Child of the Dream (A Memoir of 1963)

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