She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story

Effa Manley became aware of racial prejudice at a young age, when she was criticized by a school principal for playing with "those Negroes," who were in fact her darker-skinned siblings. Moving to New York City as an adult, she organized the "Citizen's League for Fair Play," demanding businesses hire black employees. With her husband, she started the Brooklyn Eagles, part of the Negro National League, "handling almost all the team's business," and later working to insure that the players were never forgotten. Tate's energetic illustrations harmonize well with Vernick's fresh and engaging text. History favors the individuals in the spotlight: here's an entertaining portrait of a woman who made significant strides behind the scenes. Ages 510. (Nov.) Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

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

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.