Book Review & Giveaway: Testing the Ice
October 6, 2009 by Talibah Mbonisi
In the early 1950s, legendary baseball hero Jackie Robinson literally “tested the ice” for his kids who so eagerly wanted to skate on the frozen lake near their home. Under Sharon Robinson’s skillful authorship and Kadir Nelson’s vivid illustrations, “Testing the ice” also becomes a stunning metaphor for her father’s remarkable racial breakthrough.
As soon as my son began reading Testing the Ice aloud to me, I could tell by the enthusiasm in his voice that this book was one we would read over and over again. Read this entire post to find out how you can enter to win a copy to share with the young ones in your life.
Testing the Ice is a new children’s book written by Sharon Robinson, daughter of the legendary Jackie Robinson. Written from the perspective of a little girl full of the deepest love and admiration for her father, Testing the Ice tells the story of a much more personal heroism than the one for which we have all come to love Jackie Robinson.
After moving to their new home in Connecticut, the Robinson children and their new friends spent all summer enjoying the lake found on their property. As they played and swam, their father watched from the shore, never daring to enter the water himself. But, when the winter cold hardened the lake, and the children set their minds on skating on the ice, Jackie Robinson could no longer lurk in the background. Courageously, despite not knowing how to swim, he risked his life to test the strength of the ice with his own body and a broomstick, making sure the children would be safe.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson, the images of Jackie Robinson recounting how he shattered the color barrier in Major League Baseball, spending time with his family and crossing the ice are breathtaking. His masterful artistry breathes life into this wonderful story and transports you to the beautiful landscapes and historic baseball games of Sharon Robinson’s childhood.
As a mother, I was reminded that regardless of what the world says, regardless of what we may think, our children have their own reasons for loving their fathers and experiencing them as heroes. As a parent, I was thrilled to hear my child’s excitement at learning about Jackie Robinson the baseball legend and the father. And, as a person striving to make a difference in this world, I was inspired by the courage this man showed in both his professional and personal life. I am grateful to Sharon Robinson for sharing her father with our family in this rich, personal and inspirational story.
And, in our first giveaway, WeParent is giving away copies of Testing the Ice to FIVE lucky readers. One winner will receive a Testing the Ice prize pack that includes a copy of the book and a Kidorable hat, glove and scarf set shown in the image below (an estimated $53 value.) The other 4 winners will receive a copy of the book (and estimated $17 value.)

Here’s how to enter to win:
Check out this video of Sharon Robinson and Kadir Nelson talking about the creation of Testing the Ice. Leave a comment here by 11:59pm EST on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, about something you found interesting about the discussion.
If you’d like to increase your chances of winning, here are four more ways to enter:
1) If you haven’t already, join the WeParent mailing list. Be sure to verify your subscription by clicking through the confirmation email that will be sent to you, or your entry won’t count.
2) If you aren’t already a member, join our online community, WeParent Connect.
3) Blog or tweet about this giveaway and post a link to your work here.
4) Purchase a copy of Testing the Ice and email a copy of your confirmation email to contests@weparent.com.
OK, WeParent family, this gives you up to five chances to win! And, we’d love to share this rich story with you. All entries must be submitted/completed by 11:59pm EST on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Winners will be chosen through random.org. This contest is available to U. S. mailing addresses only; prizes will be sent to winners by the book’s sponsor.




Lorin Boyce on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 9:07 am
The book looks great! Hope I win one
Kim Millen on Sun, 11th Oct 2009 8:12 pm
Hi Talibah! The book looks good….A MUST READ! Be blessed and continue success!
Kim
Rhonda Walton on Sun, 18th Oct 2009 6:02 am
Enjoyed the interview and look forward to reading this book to my two boys. I will forward to their tee ball teams as well.
Jaliya Stewart on Wed, 21st Oct 2009 6:12 pm
If I win, maybe I can give it to my new nephew. I don’t blog or tweet, but I did post a link on FB, does that count?
Kokayi on Wed, 21st Oct 2009 8:57 pm
Wow! That was so powerful. On many levels. I got all into the process. It led me to think about Kai’s children’s book on Howard Thurman and the relationship she had with the artist. And of course, i thought about jackie and Sharon, and what her life with him must have been. I am buying a copy now. I still want to win one though.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jackie Robinson
Terrence on Thu, 22nd Oct 2009 8:33 am
That was interesting, I hadn’t thought about the process of ‘putting your words and thoughts to pictures’. Gives me more to consider for future projects. They also inspired me to read the book,which I’ll do.
Paul N. Melville on Tue, 27th Oct 2009 11:17 am
I loved hearing about the collaborative process between Sharon Robinson and Kadir Nelson. Can’t wait to see the book in person and read it to my children.
Tiffaney Renfro on Tue, 27th Oct 2009 12:57 pm
I loved hearing about the connection between Sharon Robinson and Kadir Nelson. It was interesting how he was able to capture the images through the pictures she shared and bring to life the memories. Can’t wait to get.
Krystal Abney on Tue, 27th Oct 2009 2:33 pm
My kids’ favorite book is “Please, Baby Please” illustrated by Kadir Nelson. He is a fabulous artist and what I found most interesting in the video was how most authors and illustrators don’t know each other. I would have thought that knowing the author would enhance the illustrators insight when creating the artistry.
Kim on Tue, 27th Oct 2009 7:16 pm
I have a few books illustrated by Kadir Nelson. It is obvious that Mr. Nelson had a genuine interest in accurately depicting Ms. Robinson’s childhood memories of her father. As he said towards the end Jackie Robinson is an American hero. The pride and joy that Sharon has for the process and the finished product is obvious in the joy she has as she speaks.
Testing the Ice Book Giveaway: We Have A Winner! : WeParent on Wed, 28th Oct 2009 6:17 am
[...] All winners will be contacted via email. If you didn’t win this time, we encourage you to read our review and then pick up this book for the youngsters in your [...]