Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism.

Sharon situates Jackie Robinson’s story within the context of racism. How does Jackie’s narrative fit into America’s racial developments? When did Jackie and the US experience setbacks and progress? How does the book’s thematic concern with The Tension Between Activism and Capitalism come into play in both contexts?

Why did Sharon write a biography of her father for young people? What is her main goal, and how does she achieve it? Aside from the book, how does Sharon spread Jackie’s message?

Several movies have been made about Jackie. In addition to The Jackie Robinson Story is 42 and Soul of the Game. Watch one of these films and compare their representations of MLB, the Negro Leagues, and Jackie to those in this book.