Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Just As Good: How Larry Doby Changed America's Game

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website. 

Just as Good: How Larry Doby Changed America's Game

by Chris Crowe
Illustrated by Mike Benny
Published 2012 by Candlewick
32 Pages
Nonfiction Picture Book
Obtained from public library

Most Americans have heard of Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the baseball color barrier in 1947. But have you heard of Larry Doby? Well, I hadn't until I read this book. Some say he is an underappreciated pioneer in baseball. 

Larry Doby played for the Cleveland Indians the year after Robinson entered Major League Baseball. That year the Indians faced the Boston Braves in the World Series. 

My Thoughts

This books is described as a tribute to Doby and I would call it just that. It has some biographical information, but is not a biography of Doby's life. Doby's impact on baseball, and America, is seen through the eyes of Homer and his father as they follow their favorite team in the World Series on the radio. The story builds to a climax as Homer narrates the action at game four. 
This book could be used in many ways. It would be a great companion to books about Jackie Robinson or in discussing civil rights. It could be used to show the time period (Late 1940's). It is also a story of hope. Homer and his father have a lot riding on Doby's success, beyond the World Series. 
I would recommend this book for grades 1-4. 

Here is a short video about Larry Doby's legacy