Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues
Leah Henderson
(Author)
George Doutsiopoulos
(Illustrator)
Description
Mamie "Peanut" Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome in the segregated All-American Girls Pro Baseball League due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball for the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first female pitcher to play on a men's professional team. During the three years she pitched for the Clowns, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for other female athletes and for women everywhere.Product Details
Price
$18.95
$17.62
Publisher
Capstone Editions
Publish Date
January 01, 2020
Pages
32
Dimensions
9.4 X 11.3 X 0.4 inches | 1.0 pounds
Language
English
Type
Hardcover
EAN/UPC
9781684460236
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Leah Henderson is the author of many critically-acclaimed books for young readers including The Courage of the Little Hummingbird and Together We March. When she is not scribbling down her characters' adventures, she is off in search of her own, exploring new spaces and places around the world. Many of the hopes, struggles, and traditions witnessed find a home in her work. Leah holds an MFA in writing and teaches in Spalding University's graduate writing program. She currently calls Washington, DC, home. Visit her at leahhendersonbooks.com.
George Doutsiopoulos graduated from the School of Economics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece in 2005, but he decided to pursue a career in illustration, his true passion. In 2006, he won a prestigious comic competition and received a three-year, full scholarship to AKTO Applied Arts College in Athens, Greece. He has created illustrations for publishing houses like Scholastic and Heinemann, gaming companies, and other companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He specializes in illustrations for books, children's books, board games, online games and advertising. In addition, George teaches drawing, sketching and illustration to both children and adults
Reviews
The colorful, expressive artwork highlights Johnson's joy while also showing the oppressive racism faced by the ball player and her teammates. The afterword explains how Johnson's contributions to the sport have resonated through the years, earning recognition from Presidents Clinton and Obama. Readers who are unfamiliar with Johnson will walk away from Henderson's thoughtfully written picture book biography as fans of this resilient, über-talented ballplayer. An important purchase for most collections.-- "School Library Journal"
In this biography of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson...Henderson focuses on Johnson's determination and passion for the sport. . . .Johnson's grit appeals: "She would say, 'Don't emphasize the hardness of it, ' because she and the other players were doing what they wanted to do--playing the game they loved." Smoothly exaggerated realism gives Doutsiopoulos's illustrations an engaging cartoon flair.-- "Publishers Weekly"
Through informative prose and muscular illustrations, Mamie emerges as both small in stature and larger than life. . . .The artwork deftly works with the text to provide a memorable reading experience, Mamie's enthusiasm and determination shining from every page. . . .This compelling story of breaking barriers and perseverance is timely and essential. . . .An incredible tribute to an African American woman who dismantled racial and gender obstacles amid the civil rights movement.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
African American Mamie Johnson was just six years old when her uncle started to teach her about baseball and she soon proved to be a natural pitcher. Her talents were so remarkable that, as a child, she won a spot on the roster of an all-white boys' team, helping them win two division championships. Though she was able to break the color and gender barrier as a child, Mamie was not even allowed to try out for the segregated All American Girls Professional Baseball League when she graduated from high school, despite her talent. In 1953 she was drafted by the Indianapolis Clowns, making her one of the few women to play in the Negro Leagues, and her small stature earned her the nickname "Peanut." This well researched picture-book biography brings to life a little-known athlete who deserves much more attention and fame. (Ages 6-10)-- "Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)"
In this biography of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson...Henderson focuses on Johnson's determination and passion for the sport. . . .Johnson's grit appeals: "She would say, 'Don't emphasize the hardness of it, ' because she and the other players were doing what they wanted to do--playing the game they loved." Smoothly exaggerated realism gives Doutsiopoulos's illustrations an engaging cartoon flair.-- "Publishers Weekly"
Through informative prose and muscular illustrations, Mamie emerges as both small in stature and larger than life. . . .The artwork deftly works with the text to provide a memorable reading experience, Mamie's enthusiasm and determination shining from every page. . . .This compelling story of breaking barriers and perseverance is timely and essential. . . .An incredible tribute to an African American woman who dismantled racial and gender obstacles amid the civil rights movement.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
African American Mamie Johnson was just six years old when her uncle started to teach her about baseball and she soon proved to be a natural pitcher. Her talents were so remarkable that, as a child, she won a spot on the roster of an all-white boys' team, helping them win two division championships. Though she was able to break the color and gender barrier as a child, Mamie was not even allowed to try out for the segregated All American Girls Professional Baseball League when she graduated from high school, despite her talent. In 1953 she was drafted by the Indianapolis Clowns, making her one of the few women to play in the Negro Leagues, and her small stature earned her the nickname "Peanut." This well researched picture-book biography brings to life a little-known athlete who deserves much more attention and fame. (Ages 6-10)-- "Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)"
