Jim & Me

Dan Gutman's 'Jim And Me' is a compelling entry in his popular 'Baseball Card Adventures' series, offering young readers a blend of historical fiction, sports action, and time-travel fantasy. The narrative centers on Stosh, who, alongside his rival Bobby Fuller, journeys back to the early 20th century to intervene in the unjust stripping of Jim Thorpe's Olympic medals. The book handles the sensitive topic of historical injustice and racial discrimination (implied in Thorpe's treatment) by focusing on the quest for fairness and the resilience of the human spirit. It doesn't shy away from the unfairness Thorpe faced but frames it as a challenge to be overcome, fostering a strong sense of justice in the reader. The emotional arc is one of initial rivalry and a shared mission leading to mutual respect and a hopeful pursuit of historical rectification. It's specifically for children aged 7-10 who are drawn to sports, particularly baseball, and enjoy learning about history through an engaging, adventurous lens. A parent might reach for this book when their child is expressing an interest in historical figures, questioning fairness, or simply looking for an exciting chapter book series. Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of Jim Thorpe's story, including the challenges faced by Native Americans during that era and the concept of amateurism in sports. Younger readers (7-8) will enjoy the adventure and sports elements, while older readers (9-10) will better grasp the nuances of historical injustice and the themes of integrity and perseverance. What sets this book apart is its unique premise of using time travel to directly engage with and attempt to 'right' historical wrongs, making history feel immediate and impactful rather than distant.