Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five

Ages 6 to 9

An inspiring picture book biography about Los Angeles Dodger Glenn Burke, the first professional baseball player to come out as gay, and the story of how he created the high five.

As a rookie baseball player on the Los Angeles Dodgers, Glenn Burke could do it all—hit, throw, catch, score. As a teammate, he was the heart of the clubhouse; he made fellow players laugh and energized them with his enthusiasm. In fact, his habit of congratulating his teammates led Burke to invent the high five—a spontaneous overhand slap that has evolved into an international gesture of connection, unity, and support.

But despite creating such a joyful symbol, Burke wasn’t always given support in return. As a Black gay man, he faced prejudice and obstacles almost everywhere he went, putting his career at stake and making his everyday life difficult. Glenn Burke, Game Changer recognizes this hardship while celebrating how Glenn’s bravery and his now-famous handshake paved the way for others to live openly, truly, and freely.

About the Author

Phil Bildner is a former New York City public school teacher who lives in Newburgh, New York. The author of many books, including A High Five for Glenn Burke, Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans, and The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and Apartheid in South Africa, He is a frequent speaker at conferences and travels to more than sixty schools a year. philbildner.com

Daniel J. O’Brien (he/him) is a Trinidadian-born author and illustrator currently residing in New York with his fantastic partner, Ashleigh, and his loyal but nervous dog, Obbie. He holds a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts, and has written, illustrated, designed, and self-published two children’s books, The Carnival Prince and I Am the Midnight Robber, both projects near and dear as they represent his Caribbean heritage. He is also the illustrator of The Talking Mango Tree, The Masquerade Dance, and the forthcoming picture book Juneteenth. danielostudios.com