About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child shows a budding interest in sports history or starts obsessing over the 'biggest' and 'best' records in any field. It is particularly effective for children who struggle with traditional narrative fiction but light up when presented with concrete facts, statistics, and high-interest real-world achievements. This book serves as a bridge between a casual hobby and a deeper understanding of perseverance and excellence. While the focus is on the thrill of the home run and the tension of the pitcher's mound, the book subtly explores the emotional themes of resilience and the historical context of baseball's evolution. It is written at an accessible level for elementary and middle schoolers, providing enough depth to satisfy an 11-year-old while remaining visual enough for an 8-year-old. Choosing this book encourages a child to see how dedication and hard work translate into measurable, legendary success.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is largely secular and direct. The book briefly discusses the segregation of the Negro Leagues, which may be upsetting to some readers. It's important to note that while the book focuses on the resilience of the athletes, the history of segregation itself can be a difficult topic.
Ideal Reader
A 9-year-old who brings their baseball glove everywhere and constantly asks 'Who is the best player ever?' This reader prefers 'fact-hunting' to storybooks and enjoys using math to understand the world.
