Who says rivals can’t be friends (especially when it comes to books)? At Workman, we think a shared love for baseball can bring everyone together—even Yankees and Red Sox fans. So we got in touch with Wellesley Books in Massachusetts for this month’s Indie Bookstore Spotlight. No matter your baseball allegiance, this baseball-themed kids book list from children’s book buyer, Lauren, is going to knock your sox off.
It’s April and that can only mean one thing . . . it’s baseball season! And in my completely biased opinion, there is no better place to catch a game than at Fenway Park. In honor of Opening Day this past Monday, here are some of my favorite baseball reads. Batter up!
Picture Books
Baseball Is…
by Louise Borden and illustrated by Raúl Colón
I fell in love with this gorgeously illustrated celebration of America’s favorite pastime. Written in free verse, Borden perfectly captures the beauty of stadiums, and the special feeling of being at a baseball game. A wonderful book for brand new and lifelong fans alike.
The Kid from Diamond Street
by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Steven Salerno
A gifted player who made a professional women’s team when she was only 10, Edith Houghton broke down barriers. From playing against men’s teams in Japan, to being the first female scout in professional men’s baseball, Edith was an inspiration.
Waiting for Pumpsie
by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by London Ladd
Bernard loves going to games at Fenway, but when will he see a ball player that looks like him? It’s 1959 and the Red Sox are the last team in the MLB to integrate. That’s all changing now, as they’re calling up “Pumpsie” Green, and no one is more excited than Bernard’s family. This story of civil rights, baseball, and love is one you won’t soon forget.
Middle Grade
Soar
by Joan Bauer
Jeremy is the world’s biggest baseball fan and he is determined to get involved, even if his heart transplant won’t allow him to play. Now coaching a championship team threatened by scandal, it’s up to Jeremy to inspire both the team and himself. Filled with humor and heart, this is a story that stayed with me long after I reached the last page.
The Batboy
by Mike Lupica
Mike Lupica has knocked it out of the park again. Baseball is in Brian’s blood; his father is a former major league pitcher and Brian is a batboy for his hometown team, the Detroit Tigers. His hero, Hank Bishop, is back after being suspended, and with Brian’s help he could hit homerun #500. The realistic, sometimes heartrending ways that Brian approaches life’s unexpected curveballs cement this story as a must read!
The Girl Who Threw Butterflies
by Mick Cochrane
Molly’s had a horrible few months. Her father has died and her mother is completely withdrawn. But Molly’s determined that something positive will come out of all that. Her father taught her how to throw a mean knuckleball and she earns a spot on the boy’s baseball team. This is a heartwarming look at loss, middle school, and moving on.
Young Adult
Crazy Horse Electric Game
by Chris Crutcher
Willie Weaver is a high school baseball hero with limitless potential, until an accident leaves him partially paralyzed. Running away from a world he no longer knows, Willie ends up in an alternative school. With the help of understanding students and staff, he begins to rebuild his life with newfound courage, honesty, and strength. This is a story that drags you in and won’t let go.
My Most Excellent Year
by Steve Kluger
Tony Conigliaro Keller is a diehard Red Sox fan. His best friend and self-declared brother, Augie, is passionate about musical theater. New student, Alé is the daughter of the Mexican ambassador. Together, they chronicle their “most excellent year” in three distinct and engaging voices. There is something for everyone in this absolute gem.
Strong Is the New Pretty
by Kate T. Parker
The newest book on this list is already one of my all-time favorites. Perfect for girls of all ages, this is an empowering collection of quotes and photographs from strong girls doing what they love (including baseball). I was inspired by all these kick-butt girls and will be giving this book to every “strong” woman in my life!
On your next trip to the Green Monster (or maybe just to visit the New England Aquarium), do stop by Wellesley Books to find your next home-run of a book. Here are two fun facts to add to your ever growing collection of indie bookstore lore:
- The Boston Marathon runs right by their front windows; the store is almost the exact halfway mark.
- We are a very dog-friendly store, doling out biscuits to all dogs, big and small. Each of our newsletters features a “Dog of the Week,” with both a bio and a headshot, welcoming them to the Wellesley Books family.
Dogs and books, what could be better?! A world championship ring, but that’s a story for another day…
Children’s Book Buyer, Lauren D’Alessio, who is always ready to talk books, thinks there is no such thing as too many bookshelves, and will passionately discuss fictional lives as if they are real. You can follow her on Twitter @lachanaich.
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