About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the sting of being an outsider or witnessing unfair treatment at school. Set in 1960, it follows a tight-knit group of Black and white children from the Mayfield Crossing neighborhood who are uprooted from their small community school and sent to a larger, integrated school where they face immediate prejudice. The story centers on Meg Turner and her friends as they use their shared love of baseball to prove their worth and find a sense of belonging. It is a gentle yet honest introduction to historical racism and the power of collective resilience. While it addresses heavy themes of discrimination, it remains firmly rooted in the perspective of elementary-aged children, making it an excellent bridge for discussing justice and loyalty with readers aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it models standing up for friends and finding common ground through sports.
