Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. Illustrations from oil paintings by artist Kadir Nelson. Interest Level: 3-6 Reading Level: 6.0 ATOS Book Level: 5.9 AR Interest Level: MG AR Points: 3 AR Quiz: 119912EN Reading Counts Level: 6.2 Reading Counts Points: 5 Lexile Measure: 900 Every Child Reads.