Choice of Colours
The pioneering African-American quarterbacks who changed the face of football
by John Danakas
- Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens - Canadian Children's Book Centre
Until a mere generation ago, black football players were largely unproven as quarterbacks since they were excluded from a position that demanded strategic thinking instead of brute force. So, talented players headed north, rising to stardom in Canada. John Danakas profiles the pioneering athletes who donned new team colours and changed their sport.
[Fry Reading Level - 4.8]
close this panelJOHN DANAKAS is the author of five children's novels and one non-fiction book for young adults. His book Hockey Night in Transcona was an Ontario Silver Birch Award finalist. Curve Ball, Lizzie's Soccer Showdown, and Hockey Heroes are all Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice selections. He lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
close this panelDanakas ... creates a very readable work that will appeal to sports enthusiasts and young social scientists.
This book would make a great addition to a classroom/school library. The audience will empathize with the struggle these great athletes had to overcome to reach their dream. They will realize that dreams can come true if you are determined and are willing to overcome obstacles.
"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."
Chinese proverb
And I found the perfect pocketbook --Choice of Colours -- a snappy little 100-page pigskin paperback penned by Winnipeg's John Danakas. The director of public affairs at the University of Manitoba has crafted a children's book about "another era" in football -an era 50 years ago when "the NFL wasn't black quarterback friendly."
This captivating children's book is a gem for big kids, too.
Choice of Colours is a book that will likely appeal to younger football fans, and is a worthy read for older fans as well.
