Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team

"It sounds like a fairy tale: twelve baseball-playing brothers," but it's true. The 12 Acerra brothers from New Jersey played together on a semipro team formed in 1938, each brother with his own talents and style: "Charlie.... was a good player, but a terrible runner." Vernick, who interviewed two of the brothers as part of her research, describes how one brother lost an eye when he was struck by a baseball and how six of the brothers served in WWII. Painted in a bright palette of greens, yellows, and blues, Salerno's mixed-media illustrations, traced and shaded in black crayon, are an immediate attention-getter, the thick, horizontal brushwork contributing to a strong sense of movement. A lively story about family loyalty and love of the game, pulled from the sidelines of baseball history. Ages 4-8. Agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. (Apr.)

K-Gr 3--Here's a fun and true story to start out the baseball season. Vernick relates the history of the Acerra family's 16 children, consisting of 12 boys who formed their own semiprofessional baseball team in Long Branch, NJ, during the 1930s. Their dad was their coach and biggest fan. The team is honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame for being the all-time longest-playing all-brother team in baseball history. The author exhibits good humor by pointing out individual boys' distinguishing characteristics such as Charlie, the slow runner who "hit a ball nearly out of the park, but only made it to second." There is a retro feel to Salerno's illustrations done in black crayon, gouache, watercolor, and pastel, with digital color added. Shades of green, blue, and turquoise augment the outdoor scenes. Readers will laugh out loud as they spot one brother out the bedroom window at night running with toilet paper in hand to their three-seater outhouse. This story sends out positive vibes of a family who sticks together, yet couples the tale with sorrowful times as well. A delight not to miss.--Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

"I was lucky to play in the big leagues with my brother as a teammate and my dad as our manager. It was a very special time. The story of the Acerra brothers brought those memories back. It is a wonderful illustration of what a great game baseball is and how it brings families together on many different levels. Brothers at Bat is a story any baseball fan will enjoy and one that we all should know."—Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr.

"A captivating story, impeccable layout, and glorious illustrations make this historical account an unqualified winner." —New York Times Book Review

"With a sense of humor, Audrey Vernick tells the true-life story of the 12 Acerra boys of Long Branch, NJ, who formed a team coached by their dad." —USA Today

"A remarkable story." —Wall Street Journal

 "Vernick's wry and rousing narration is perfectly matched by Salerno's mixed-media pictures."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, *starred review*

 "For those who love baseball, history and family stories, this book hits a home run."—Shelf Awareness, *starred review*

"Striking black crayon, gouache and watercolor paintings enhanced with digital color provide a solid backup to the tightly written narrative. A very pleasing slice of American history." —Cleveland Plain Dealer

A NewYork Times Notable Book for 2012

A 2012 Booklist Editor's Choice