Anybody's Game
(She Made History)

As a child in 1950, Kathryn Johnston plays baseball alongside the boys in her neighborhood. But when it comes to playing on a Little League team, no girls are allowed. Johnston is pugnacious both on and off the field, as she dives for a grounder, slides into base, and angrily laments having to watch the games from the sidelines. Readers will admire her grit and determination--particularly when she demands that her mother cut off her long braids so she can try out for Little League "as a boy." Puglesi's cartoons have the appearance of vintage dolls, with exaggerated, marblelike eyes that somewhat limit their range of expression. A final spread depicts Johnston throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium in 2006, while an author's note featuring photographs and additional background provides added historical context. Ages 5-7. (Mar.)

Gr 2-4--Kathryn "Tubby" Johnston wants nothing more than to play baseball--and has the skills to do it. The only problem: it's 1950 and girls aren't allowed to play. So the trailblazer disguises herself as a boy and makes the team. In this picture book biography, Lang doesn't leave baseball lovers stranded on base as game-related terminology is sprinkled throughout. Puglesi's digital artwork adds depth to the text, showing strong emotions on the characters' faces and containing fun hidden gems, especially for Yankees fans (notice the magazines and posters). The text works nicely with the illustrations and would make for a good one-on-one read. The back matter is rather slight. Lang includes an author's note, which explains the legal fight for girls to play Little League, and a time line. Readers are told in the acknowledgements that sources can be found at the author's website. While Lang swings for the fences, she settles for a solid double. VERDICT Best for the baseball-obsessed, and a second purchase where Little League is popular.--Kerri Williams, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY