In this funny, touching and true story, Jackie Robinson discovers that his new Brooklyn neighbors do not have a Christmas tree. He brings them one, not realizing that they celebrate Hanukkah instead of Christmas. Author’s Note.

What a cool book! It's different from most other books on Jackie Robinson as well as most books on Christmas holidays. It's really interesting. Fans of baseball stories, civil rights, New York stories, Jewish families, intermingling religious practices, and facing adversity would be right at home with this one. Of course, E.B. Lewis does a tremendous job illustrating as he always does. This is a beautiful book. ( )

Pair this with "Testing the Ice," also by Robinson's daughter Sharon, for a lovely and accessible glimpse into the baseball hero's family life. ( )

Steve Satlow is shocked when his favorite baseball hero, Jackie Robinson moves onto his street. When Jackie discovers that Steve's family does not have a Christmas tree, he decides to surprise them with one, not realizing they are Jewish. The author, Robinson's daughter, wrote the story in the hopes that it will "inspire families for generations to come to look beyond race and religion and into people's hearts." (Grades 1-4) ( )

Margo's review at The Fourth Musketeer is what pushed me toward adding this one to my Wishlist,