Situated firmly in the social and political conditions of the time, this biography illustrates the role African American baseball star Jackie Robinson played in changing not just baseball but society. By breaking the color barrier in the major league sport, Robinson paved the way for new opportunities for Americans everywhere. Here, readers will come to know Robinson and his legacy. They'll also learn about such fascinating characters as Branch Rickey, Pee Wee Reese, and Boston City Council member Isadore Muchnick, who threatened to deny the Red Sox a permit to play if they did not let African American ballplayers try out for the team. Plenty of baseball lore and stats will engage young baseball fans, but even readers who have little interest in baseball will be inspired by this story of a man who took on racism and changed the world.