Athlete Activists

CLASSROOM CONNECTIONS Kindergarten to Grade 12 Athlete Activists Sports and social justice intersect in this inspiring list of biographies and history books. By Angela Leeper While athletes regularly demonstrate their abilities across stadiums, fields, courts, and other sporting venues, many have also taken advantage of the spotlight and used their talents, voices, and actions to break racial, ethnic, and gender barriers, promote social justice, and advocate for accessibility for future generations. The titles below feature athletes notable for both their physical achievements and their personal activism. 42 Is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero. By Doreen Rappaport. 2017. 128p. Candlewick (9780763676247). Gr. 5–7. 796.357. The racial injustices Jackie Robinson endured as a child, in the army, and as a player in Negro League baseball were…