I love stories about gutsy women. I love stories about gutsy kids. Here’s a book about both–a gutsy girl.
Edith Houghton loved baseball. But in the 1920s there were no Little League teams for girls. Didn’t matter. She kept playing, and when she was 10 years old (ten!) she joined a professional team. She was by far the youngest and tiniest member of the team, which required her to find ways to alter her uniform so it wouldn’t fall of of her. But it didn’t stop her playing ball.
In fact, she played so well, when she was 13 she was invited to be part of an exhibition team representing the US playing in Japan. This book tells the story of how Edith Houghton began playing ball and then the great adventure of her trip abroad with her teammates.
I was floored that I had never heard of this remarkable girl. I loved seeing Japan through her eyes. Vernick chooses wonderful quotes that keep the point of view strictly Edith’s. (I did wish that the quotes had been attributed in the back matter.)
Vernick and Salerno teamed up for another great baseball book about unlikely players, Brothers at Bat. This one is a great book for baseball fans, for gutsy women, and for passionate kids.
The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Steven Salerno. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: 2016.
I participate in the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge at Kid Lit Frenzy.A 1
I read this recently, too, Annette. Isn’t it wonderful that she was so talented so young? I’m glad there are stories about little known, and inspiring, people being told! Thanks!
This looks right up my alley! My girls have never really followed baseball, but I was a big fan as a child. Thanks!
I enjoyed reading this one in the spring, right around when baseball season was beginning! So many great baseball biographies, this sport has really had some fascinating times and players!
I have this in my library, but haven’t gotten to read it yet. I didn’t realize it had a Japan connection. I had it out in my baseball display though. It’s fun to have more picture books about women in baseball now.
I love stories about gutsy women also! And baseball! I will add this to my TBR and request it from my library immediately.
And I love Audrey Vernick’s Brothers at Bat 🙂