Book Discussion Guide

Testing The Ice by Sharon Robinson

Testing The Ice

If you love baseball’s legend Jackie Robinson, you’re going to love this story. Sharon Robinson grew up with a great father: Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player in the Major Leagues. In Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson, Sharon shares a story about her dad that reveals the deep bravery of his character. She begins by reminding you of Jackie’s courageous move to enter the Major Leagues. But then she describes a time when, despite his deep fear of the water, Jackie went out on the frozen lake by their home to make sure the ice was safe for Sharon and her friends. As you read this book full of warmth and love, you and your child will share a more intimate view of this national hero, from the perspective of his daughter. After reading this story, your family will gain deeper respect and admiration for this great man.

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Questions To Talk About
While Reading

Vocabulary

It's important to make sure that your child has an understanding of key words in the book. Talking about words while reading is a great way for your child to learn new words.

In this book, you might talk about these words:

  • screened (pg. 6)
  • adoringly (pg. 9)
  • segregated (pg. 11)
  • barrier (pg. 13)
  • provided (pg. 21)
  • pressed (pg. 22)
  • sheepishly (pg. 26)
  • reluctantly (pg. 27)
  • abrupt (pg. 29)
  • pronounce (pg. 32)
  • untried (pg. 38)

You might use a question like:

What does the author mean on page 38 when she says “an untried path?” Why do you think Jackie Robinson's entry to the Major Leagues was considered an “untried path?”

Key Ideas and Themes

In addition to words, it's important to talk about key ideas and themes and how they develop over the course of the book.

Here are some examples to get you started:

  • 1

    After reading the first few pages of the book, stop and ask your child, “How is the narrator’s childhood different from most children?” Talk about how her experiences growing up as the daughter of the first African American Major League Baseball player might have influenced her point of view throughout the book.

  • 2

    According to the book, why did Jackie need “guts” to enter the Major League? As you talk about this question with your child, use the background information on pages 11-13 to help you. Did you learn anything new about this baseball hero?

  • 3

    On page 16, the author uses a larger font to emphasize, “That was a sweet victory.” What made this moment so “sweet” for Jackie Robinson? Talk about why the author would choose to make those words different from the rest. Why? What effect is the author looking for?

  • 4

    The scene with the author’s dad and the lake is full of tension. Talk about how the author creates this feeling during the scene. What words and phrases does the author use to build tension when she talks about her dad and the lake? Help your child to understand the meaning of words like “sheepishly” and “reluctantly,” as he or she explains this tension. How does this tension build from the beginning of the story until the moment when he tells the kids it is safe to skate on the ice?

  • 5

    There are two big stories in the book – one about baseball and another about the lake. How does the author’s story about her dad, Jackie Robinson, relate to his baseball career? Be sure to use the last page of the story to help you and your child talk about this.

Extra Activities

  • 1

    As a family, go to the library and check out a few more biographies of Jackie Robinson. Here are some possible titles:
     Who was Jackie Robinson? by Gail Herman
     A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson by David Adler
     Jackie Robinson: Baseball’s Great Pioneer by Jason Glaser
     Stealing Home: The Story of Jackie Robinson by Barry Denenberg

    After reading a few, here are some possible activities you can engage in as a family.

  • 2

    Pick two biographies and discuss the similarities and differences between the two books. Compare the important points and details included in the books. Read about the authors of the biographies and ask, “How does each author’s background influence his or her point of view of Jackie Robinson?”

  • 3

    Using Testing the Ice and an additional biography, create a timeline of Jackie Robinson’s life. What events in his life demonstrate his commitment to fighting for equality and justice?

  • 4

    Create a picture book about Jackie Robinson for a younger sibling or friend. As your child creates his/her own story, use some of the biographies listed above as models of informational writing. Remind him/her to keep the following guidelines in mind:
    - Introduce your topic and group similar ideas together. (For example, you might include one section all about his childhood, another about the years he played in the Negro Leagues, etc.)
    - Teach readers about your topic by including facts, definitions, and details.
    - Use linking words like also, another, and more, or but to connect ideas within your paragraphs.
    – Conclude with a strong statement or section about your topic.