About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing unfairness in sports or school and needs a historical framework to understand how resilience can overcome systemic barriers. This Penguin Young Readers title uses a modern day framing device, a young girl named Emily visiting the Hall of Fame, to introduce the history of the Negro Leagues. It provides a foundational look at segregation through the lens of Americas favorite pastime, making a heavy historical reality accessible for early elementary readers. You might choose this book to celebrate Black excellence and the power of perseverance. It balances the somber reality of the color line with the vibrant, high energy spirit of the legendary players who changed the game forever.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book depicts examples of segregation, such as Black players being excluded from white leagues and facing unequal treatment. It also shows how this discrimination affected their opportunities and livelihoods. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on progress and the eventual triumph of integration, though it remains realistic about the challenges faced.
