She Loved Baseball

Gr 2—4—Vernick's sprightly text and Tate's vibrant illustrations combine in an appreciative tribute to the first woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Manley blazed a trail on two fronts: she fought racial injustice throughout her life; and as coowner of the Newark Eagles, a Negro League team, she succeeded in a male-dominated field. Growing up in the early 1900s, the biracial Manley often ran into discrimination and heard, "That's just the way things are." However, she organized boycotts and stood up for her rights and the rights of her players. Even after black ballplayers gained admission to the major leagues, Manley advocated on their behalf until the Hall of Fame began to induct and recognize "her players." This appreciative biography gently limns the spirited individual behind these accomplishments. At the ballpark, Manley chose to sit in the stands "where the seats vibrated from foot-stomping excitement," and when the score was close, she peeked between her white-gloved fingers. Both author and illustrator are on top of their games as they bring this inspiring story to life.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA