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

Nonfiction Wednesday-Lou Gehrig: the Luckiest Man

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Picture book biographies are still a real interest for me.  Here is one from this week.

 Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man by David A. Adler Illustrated by Terry Widener

Published in 1997 by HMH Books for Young Readers

Format: Picture book

Genre: Nonfiction Biography

32 pages

Disclosure:Book obtained from the Windham Public Library

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Summary

I am not much of a sports fan, but of course I had heard of Lou Gehrig.  However, beyond knowing that he had ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig Disease) I knew very little.  This book takes the reader on a journey through Gehrig's life starting with his childhood.  

 In 1903 Henry Ford sold his first automobile, the Wright Brothers made their successful flight, the first baseball World Series was played and Lou Gehrig was born. Although his mother thought it was a waste of time, Lou loved playing sports and, of course, he excelled at baseball. He attended Columbia University where he was on the baseball team. After a scout offered him a good salary and a signing bonus, much to his mother's dismay, Gehrig quit college and began playing baseball for the NY Yankees.  Lou had a great work ethic and never missed a single game. He played though injuries and illnesses earning him the nickname, Iron Horse. The book goes on to chronicle the beginnings of Gehrig's disease where he stopped being able to hit the ball in his usual way to his diagnosis and of course, his famous speech.  After retiring, Gehrig still wanted to give back to the city he loved so he tried to inspire some troubled youths by working on the NYC parole Commission.

My Thoughts

I learned a lot about this important and inspiring man who showed great courage and strength throughout his life.  Gehrig is a great example of perseverance, a trait I feel children really need to learn. The book has big illustrations with muted colors that lend an historical feel to the book. I like how the focus is on his life, his work ethic and his strength, and not on the disease and the end of his life. 

Who Would Enjoy This Book

Students who love non-fiction and, of course, any baseball fan would likely appreciate Lou Gehrig's story. 

Use this book...

As a read aloud during a unit on biographies, or baseball unit.

Use it as a mentor text to discuss character traits, summarizing and fact vs opinion.  

Show students Lou Gehrig's famous "Luckiest Man" Speech.

Resources

Lou Gehrig: Biography, Stats and Facts for Kids

Books about baseball

Info about ALS from Kids Health

Author David A. Adler has written many books including the Cam Jansen series and the Bone Mystery Series.  To learn more about Adler and his books, visit his website. 

Visit illustrator Terry Widener's site here.