Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer Book

Rachel Lundin
Ed257
10/18/12
Biography Book Review
Louis Sockalexis; Native American Baseball Pioneer
Being an American means many things, we are known in other countries mostly for our fast food, and movie stars. One of the main things we are known for are our sports teams, and the all American sport of baseball. In Louis Sockalexis; Native American Baseball Pioneer by, Bill Wise, young Louis Sockalexis comes from a very traditional Native American tribe. Just like many other tribes of the time Louis' family was sent off to a reservation. Louis was told as a child to never leave his tribes territory because; if he does he will be in great danger. One day Louis being a curious young boy of course wanders off his family's territory into a yard full of children playing baseball. He ends up joining in the game with the kids and he becomes a fast learner. Eventually, after returning to play with the children many times his family finds out what Louis has been up to and strongly disapproves.
Louis ignores his family's disapproval reluctantly but still returns to play baseball because he felt it was his passion. Soon after that, more white men discover Louis' talent and he becomes a part of the major league baseball team in New York's Polo grounds. At first, Louis is eager and proud to play but, becomes discouraged when the white fan's yell ignorant words of hatred at him just because of his Native American heritage. Louis is set back at first but, strives to prove them wrong and succeeded in doing so. He became the first successful Native American baseball player ever. Towards the end of the story Louis misses his family and to his surprise they all attend a major game Louis is playing and eventually come to embrace his talent.
I believe that this is a good book for elementary students in grades 1st through 3rd to read because, not only is it a history lesson but it is also a book about overcoming others hatred in a productive positive matter. Many kids are bullied at school just as Louis was bullied on the baseball field. Louis turns the hatred of the white fans into motivation to play better. In the same way, children can learn to cope with their bullies by, being productive and positive and moving on and eventually overcome their bullying. In short, this is a great book for teachers to share with their students and a great lesson about the Native American's struggle often forgotten in the history curriculum.