The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a Baseball Legend

Robinson takes a fictional approach to the subject of her famous father, Jackie Robinson. It unfolds in the voice of Steve Satlow, who was eight when the Robinsons moved onto his predominately Jewish street in Brooklyn in 1948 (Steve and his family also featured prominently in Robinson's 2010 picture book, Jackie's Gift). The story is relayed in flashback, triggered by 20-year-old Steve's discovery of a ticket stub from the '48 Brooklyn Dodgers' home opener in a box of "boyhood treasures" that his recently deceased father left him. Steve's impatience to meet his baseball idol and new neighbor (which finally takes place more than a third of the way in) grows repetitive, but the story's energy builds once Robinson is in the picture. Segues into political and humanitarian issues can get heavy-handed ("Prejudice," Steve's father explains, "is when you judge a person based on the color of their skin and not by their character"), but play-by-play baseball action will hold fans' attention, and Steve's struggle to curb his impulsiveness and fit in with his peers will register with many. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6—This stirring tale of interracial and intergenerational friendship is based on a true story. Steven Satlow was seven years old in 1948 when Jackie Robinson and his family moved into the predominately Jewish section of Flatbush in Brooklyn, NY. Steve idolized Jackie and couldn't believe that his hero lived just two houses away. Ever gracious, Jackie welcomed the young fan into his home and family. Steven learned many lessons about tolerance, conflict resolution, and self-esteem from the quiet man who broke the color barrier in professional baseball. Occasionally moralizing, with dialogue that is at times stilted, the lessons are unmistakably teaching moments. After Steve gets into a fight, Jackie counsels him, "Punching someone who has verbally attacked you will only make things worse.... If you can, take the high road next time." The author also occasionally slips modern slang ("awesome," "game on") into their conversations, which seems slightly out of place. These minor issues, however, do not detract from a wonderful friendship story that has valuable lessons for all readers. The author is Jackie Robinson's daughter, and she and the Robinson family have remained lifelong friends with the Satlows, a true example of how friendships can cross racial divides. VERDICT This should be a home run for baseball fans and anyone who loves an inspirational friendship story.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for The Hero Two Doors Down

"The story drives home the impact of Robinson's pioneering, not just for the game but for the country following it." — The Birmingham News

"This charming tale offers up good fodder for discussion about prejudice, discrimination, friendship, and family." — Booklist

"A home run for baseball fans and anyone who loves an inspirational friendship story." — School Library Journal