Anybody's game : Kathryn Johnston, the first girl to play little league baseball

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Title:

Anybody's game : Kathryn Johnston, the first girl to play little league baseball

Author:

Lang, Heather, author.

Puglesi, Cecilia, illustrator.

Summary:

"In 1950, Kathryn Johnston wanted to play Little League, but an unwritten rule kept girls from trying out. So she cut off her hair and tried out as a boy under the nickname "Tubby." She made the team--and inspired future generations. An inspiring and suspenseful story about what it means to want to do something so badly you're willing to break the rules--and how, sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to change"-- Provided by publisher.

Physical Description:

1 volume (unpaged) : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 27 cm

Genre:

Picture books.

Biographies.

Personal Subject:

Massar, Kathryn Johnston-Juvenile literature.

Subject Term:

Women baseball players -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

Little League baseball -- Juvenile literature.

Baseball players -- Juvenile literature.

Women -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.

Discrimination in sports -- Juvenile literature.

Author(s):

Puglesi, Cecilia,

Publisher:

Albert Whitman & Company,

Publication Date:

2018

ISBN:

9780807503799

Publication Information:

Chicago, Illinois : Albert Whitman & Company, 2018.

Call Number:

P LANG

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003337998	Picture Books	LANG	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

The Best Children's Books of the Year 2019, Bank Street College

In 1950, girls didn't play baseball--until Kathryn Johnston changed Little League.

In 1950, Kathryn Johnston wanted to play Little League baseball, but an unwritten "rule" kept girls from trying out. So she cut off her hair and tried out as a boy under the nickname "Tubby." She made the team--and changed Little League forever. This is a story about wanting to do something so badly, you're willing to break the rules, and how breaking those rules can lead to change.

Author Notes

Heather Lang is the author of several acclaimed titles including Queen of the Track and Swimming with Sharks . She lives with her husband and four children in Massachusetts. Cecilia Puglesi was born in Argentina. After receiving a Fulbright grant, she completed an MFA in computer arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She currently lives in Spain.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

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 © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publisher's Weekly Review

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.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.