Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream
By Crystal Hubbard, Illustrated by Randy Duburke
This is the true story of Marcenia Lyle, an African American girl who grew up to become “Toni Stone,” the first woman to play for a professional team. One day in the 1930s, Marcenia and the boys she plays ball with learn that Gabby Street, a famous baseball manager, is scouting children for a baseball summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. Eager to earn a spot,Marenia plays her best, but is discouraged when Mr. Street tells here there are no girls in his camp. Convinced that baseball is her destiny, Marcenia won’t give up, ultimately proving her skill and passion to Mr. Street and her dubious parents. 6-10 years.
Anybody’s Game: Kathryn Johnson, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball
By Heather Lang, Illustrated by Cecilia Puglesi
In 1950, Kathryn Johnston wanted to play Little League, but an unwritten rule kept girls from trying out. So she cut off her hair and tried out as a boy under the nickname “Tubby.” She made the team―and changed Little League Baseball forever. An inspiring and suspenseful story about what it means to want something so badly you’ll break the rules to do it―and how breaking the rules can lead to change. 5-7 years
The Kid from Diamond Street:
The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton
By Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Steven Salerno
Beginning in 1922, when Edith Houghton was only ten years old, she tried out of a women’s professional baseball team, the Philadelphia Bobbies. Although she was the smallest on the field, soon reporters were talking about “The Kid” and her incredible skill, and crowds were packing the stands to see her play. 4-7 years
Dirt on Their Skirts:
The Story of the Young Women Who Won the World Championship
By Doreen Rappaport and Lydall Callan, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
You had to be really, really good to play in the 1946 championship game between the Racine Bells and the Rockford Peaches. Sitting in the stands, Margaret thrills to every crack of the bat. Someday she hopes to join her heroes like Sophie “the Flash” Kurys and Betty “Moe” Trezza. A historic game in the annals of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is told through the eyes of a fictional young girl. Dirt on Their Skirts is based on written accounts and the memories of the players. 5-8 years
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
By Michelle Y. Green, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Motivated by her love of the game and inspired by the legendary Jackie Robinson, Mamie Johnson is determined to be a professional baseball pitcher, but in a sport determined by white men, there is no place for a black woman. Mamie doesn’t give up from the time she insists on trying out for the all-male, all-white Police Athletic League, until she realizes her dream and become one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues. MamieJohnson’s life shows that with perseverance one can overcome the greatest challenges. 8-12 years
Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen
By Marissa Moss, Illustrated by C.F. Payne
For as long as she could remember, Jackie Mitchell’s father had told Jackie she could be good at whatever she wanted, as long as she worked at it. Jackie worked at baseball. She worked hard. And before long Jackie could outplay anyone in her neighborhood. She had one pitch — a wicked, dropping curve ball. But no seventeen year old girl could pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was unthinkable. Then on April 2, 1931, the New York Yankees stoppedin Tennessee for an exhibition game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. And on that day Jackie Mitchell made baseball history. 5-8 years.
Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story:
The First Woman to Play on Both Major League All-Star Teams
Lizzie Murphy was good at baseball. In fact, she was better than most boys. But she was born in 1900, and back then baseball was not a game for girls. Lizzie practiced with her brother anyway, and then she talked her way onto the local boys’ team, first as a bat boy, then as a player. Everyone was impressed by her hard catches and fast pitches. By the time she turned fifteen, she was playing for two different amateur boys’ teams. When she turned eighteen,Lizzie did something else that women weren’t supposed to do, she signed up with a professional baseball team, determined to earn her living playing the game. 5-8 years
Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Terry Widener
When Alta Weiss throws a corncob at a tomcat chasing her favorite hen, folks know one thing for sure: she may be a girl, but she’s got some arm. At the age of six, Alta can nail any target, and by seventeen she’s out-pitched every boy in town. Then one day, her father takes Alta to Vermilion, Ohio — home of the semipro baseball team called the Independents. “Where do I sign up?” she asks. But one look at Alta tells the coach all he needs to know:She’s a girl, and girls can’t play baseball. But faster than you can say “strike out,” Alta proves him wrong. Girls can play baseball!
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
By Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Don Tate
Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth’s mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the only woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. 4-8 years
The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
By Anika Orrock
This book chronicles the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the stories of the first women to play professional baseball in a league of their own. “In 1941, the world was at war, and with American men fighting overseas, the much needed pastime of professional baseball was in danger of extinction—until women stepped up to the plate.”
In this illustrated history, the League’s story is told by the ones who know it best: the players. Author Anika Orrock collects a variety of funny, charming, wince-worthy, and powerful vignettes told by the players themselves about their time playing the American pastime. 9-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
As a kid, Jackie Robinson loved sports. And why not? He was a natural at football, basketball, and, of course, baseball. But beyond athletic skill, it was his strength of character that secured his place in sports history. In 1947, Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier in Major League Baseball. It was tough being the first, not only did “fans” send hate mail but some of his own teammates refused to accept him.
Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against All Odds
By Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Mike Wimmer
Man on third. Two outs. The pitcher eyes the base runner, checks for the signs. The fans in the jammed stadium hold their breath. Flapping his outstretched arms like wings, number 42 leads off again. It is September 1955, game one of the World Series, theYankees versus the Dodgers, and Jackie Robinson is about to do the unbelievable, attempt to steal home in a World Series game. Is it possible? Yes, it is, if you are Jackie Robinson.
My Little Golden Book About Jackie Robinson
By Frank John Berrios III, Illustrated by Betsy Bauer
This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson for the littlest readers. Lively text and compelling artwork detail Robinson’s remarkable journey from childhood, to playing for the Negro Leagues, to then becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Little ones will be inspired by the many challenges Robinson gracefully rose to, while they learn important baseball and civil rights history. 2-5 years
Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers in Baseball
By Kurtis Scaletta
When Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, everything changed. He was the first black man to play in a major-league baseball game in the twentieth century! His brave act opened the door for more black players to achieve their own big-league dreams. But how did Jackie break baseball’s color barrier? Whether excelling at every sport he tried as a youngster or standing up for his civil rights as a soldier in the US Army, Jackie always focused on his goals. Find out how this boy who loved baseball became one of history’s greatest trailblazers! 8-12 years
The United States v Jackie Robinson
By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Jackie Robinson broke boundaries as the first African American player in Major League Baseball. But long before Jackie changed the world in a Dodger uniform, he did it in an army uniform.
As a soldier during World War II, Jackie experienced segregation every day—separate places for black soldiers to sit, to eat, and to live. When the army outlawed segregation on military posts and buses, things were supposed to change.
So when Jackie was ordered by a white bus driver to move to the back of a military bus, he refused. Instead of defending Jackie’s rights, the military police took him to trial. But Jackie would stand up for what was right, even when it was difficult to do. 4-8 years
The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship Between a Boy and a Baseball Legend
By Sharon Robinson
Eight year old Stephen Satlow lives in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing, the Dodgers. Steve hears a rumor that an African-America family is moving to his neighborhood. It’s 1948, and some of his neighbors are against it.Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. And as it turns out, Steve’s new neighbor is Jackie Robinson. Written by Jackie Robinson’s daughter Sharon.
Jackie Robinson: He Led the Way
By April Jones Prince, Illustrated by Robert Casilla
Jackie Robinson became the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era when he stepped onto the field as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947. This book follows Jackie from childhood through his career as an award winning baseball player and a hero of the civil rights movement.
When Jackie and Hank Met
by Cathy Goldberg Fishman, Illustrated by Mark Elliott
Jackie Robinson and Hank Greenberg were two very different people. But they both became Major League Baseball players and they both faced a lot of the same challenges in their lives and careers. For Jackie, it was his skin color, for Hank, his religion. On May 17, 1947, these two men met for the first time colliding at firstbase in a close play. While the crowd urged them to fight, Jackie and Hank chose a different path. This is the story of two men who went on to break the barriers of race and religion in America sports and became baseball legends in the process.
Teammates
by Peter Golenbock, Illustrated by Paul Bacon
This is the moving story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a Major League baseball team when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s, and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, Pee Wee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.
I am Jackie Robinson
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn’t allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became thefirst black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed history and led the way to equality in all American sports.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
When Derek Jeter was eight years old, he announced that he was going to play baseball for the New York Yankees. Jeter earned the attention of major league scouts in high school and was drafted to the New York Yankees in 1992. Named Rookie of the Year, he helped the Yankees win the World Series five times, and became team captain in 2003. With his good looks, easygoing personality, and sense of humor, Derek has always been a fan favorite. Retiring from baseball in 2014, Derek Jeter leaves behind a legacy.
Becoming Babe Ruth
by Matt Tavares
Before he is known as the Babe, George Herman Ruth is just a boy who lives in Baltimore and gets into a lot of trouble. But when he turns seven, his father brings him to the gates of Saint Mary’s Industrial School for Boys. His life is changed forever.
At Saint Mary’s, he’s expected to study hard and follow a lot of rules. But there is one good thing about Saint Mary’s. Almost every day, George gets to play baseball. Under the watchful eye of Brother Matthias, George evolves as a player and as a man. And when he sets off into the wild world of big-league baseball, the school, the boys, and Brother Matthias are never far from his heart.
Out of the Ballpark
By Alex Rodriguez, Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Before he hit 400 home runs… Before he was named American League MVP… Before he was AROD to millions of fans… He was Alex.
Just a kid who wanted to play baseball more than anything else in the world. Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez has drawn on his own childhood experiences to create this exciting picture book. It’s the story of a boy named Alex who knows what it’s like to swing at a wild pitch or have a ball bounce right between his legs. Alex is determined not to let his mistakes set him back—even if it means getting up at the crack of dawn to work on his hitting and fielding before school each day!
Baseball’s Greatest Hitters From Ty Cobb to Miguel Cabrera
By S.A. Kramer, Illustrated by Jim Campbell
This Step into Reading Step 5 Sports Reader profiles the greatest hitters in baseball: Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron. Now updated to include Miguel Cabrera, who made baseball history by achieving the Triple Crown in 2012, and up-and-comer Mike Trout. This star-studded survey remains contemporary by addressing the use of performance-enhancing drugs by some of baseball’s top stars.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
By Kadir Nelson
The story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners, of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship, of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the twentieth century. But most of all, the story of the Negro Leagues is about hundreds of unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball.
Baseball Biographies for Kids: The Greatest Players from the 1960s to Today
By Dean Burrell
It’s the bottom of the ninth, bases are loaded, and your team is down by three―who do you want coming up to bat? Baseball Biographies for Kids answers this question and more!
Bursting with statistics and impressive feats from the greatest players of the last 60 years, this lineup of inspirational baseball biographies shows you what it takes to be a real MVP. Discover the ultimate dream team as you explore the best pros for each position. You’ll also get quick looks into some truly legendary baseball players and lots of fun facts!
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates
by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Raul Colon
On an island called Puerto Rico, there lived a little boy who wanted only to play baseball. Although he had no money, Roberto Clemente practiced and practiced until–eventually–he made it to the Major Leagues. America!
As a right-fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he fought tough opponents–and even tougher racism–but with his unreal catches and swift feet, he earned his nickname, “The Great One.” He led the Pirates to two World Series, hit 3,000 hits, and was the first Latino to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it wasn’t just baseball that made Clemente legendary–he was also a humanitarian dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Campy: The Story of Roy Campanella
by David A. Adler, Illustrated by Gordon C. James
Roy Campanella loved baseball. A professional player from the age of fifteen, he later became the first African-American catcher to integrate Major League Baseball. Fans and players adored Campy for his good nature, and cheered his multiple MVP awards as a Brooklyn Dodger. But in 1958, his career ended when a car accident left him a quadriplegic. Refusing to give in to self-pity, Campy became a Dodgers coach, held baseball clinics for teenagers, and bravely advocated for the disabled.
You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?
by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Andre Carrilho
An old-timer tells us what made Sandy Koufax such an amazing baseball player. We learn that the beginning of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers was rocky, that he was shy with his teammates, and experienced discrimination as one of the only Jews in the game.
We hear that he actually quit, only to return the next season—different—firing one rocket after another over the plate. We watch him refuse to play in the 1965 World Series because it is a Jewish high holy day. And we see him in pain because of an overused left arm, eventually retiring at the peak of his career. Finally, we are told that people are still “scratchin’ their heads over Sandy,” who remains a modest hero and a mystery to this day.
Baseball’s Best
By Andrew Gutelle, Illustrated by Cliff Spohn
Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Hank Aaron—five amazing baseball legends. From the first black man to play major-league ball to the longest hitting streak ever, these are some of the game’s most inspiring stories. Find out what unforgettable feats won each player a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
My Little Golden Book About Jackie Robinson
By Frank Berrios, Illustrated by Betsy Bauer
This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson for the littlest readers. Lively text and compelling artwork detail Robinson’s remarkable journey from childhood, to playing for the Negro Leagues, to then becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Little ones will be inspired by the many challenges Robinson gracefully rose to, while they learn important baseball and civil rights history.
Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man
by David A. Adler, Illustrated by Terry Widener
Lou Gehrig’s perseverance is legendary. During fourteen years as a first baseman for the New York Yankees, he played in a record 2,130 consecutive games, earning himself the nickname Iron Horse. Lou loved baseball and considered himself a very lucky man, even though on his thirty-sixth birthday he was diagnosed with a fatal disease.
Satchel Paige
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome
No one pitched like Leroy “Satchel” Paige. Fans packed the stands to see how many batters he could strike out in one game. He dazzled them with his unique pitching style, and he even gave nicknames to some of his trademark pitches — there was the “hesitation,” his magic slow ball, and the “bee ball,” named because it would always “be” where he wanted it to be.
Follow Satch’s career as he begins playing in the semipros and goes on to become the first African American to pitch in a major League World Series, and the first Negro Leaguer to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Teammates
by Peter Golenbock, Illustrated by Paul Bacon
The story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a Major League baseball team when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s, and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, Pee Wee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.
You Never Heard of Willie Mays?
by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Terry Widener
Many believe baseball great Willie Mays to be the best player that ever lived. He hit 660 home runs (fourth best of all time), had a lifetime batting average of .302, and is second only to Babe Ruth on The Sporting News‘s list of “Baseball’s 100 Greatest Players.”
The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero
by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Terry Widener
In the summer of 1941, Yankee center fielder Joe DiMaggio and his favorite bat, Betsy Ann, begin the longest hitting streak in baseball history. But when Betsy Ann goes missing, will DiMaggio keep hitting? Set on the brink of World War II, this is a spellbinding account of a sports story that united the country and made DiMaggio a hero, at a time when one was profoundly needed.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
