Anybody's Game

February 1, 2018
It was a time when girls jumped rope and played hopscotch, all while wearing dresses.In this lightly fictionalized account of a historic figure, Kathryn Johnston loves baseball and is very good at the game, but she cannot play on a Little League team. She practices and plays on sandlots whenever she can and listens to Yankees games with her dad. Finally she decides to try something daring. She asks her mom to cut her hair short and borrows her brother's pants and cap, briefly trying out for a Little League team as a boy, "Tubby" Johnston. She makes the team and plays well, but the pretense is hard to maintain. Eventually she tells the coach, who recognizes her skills and keeps her on the team. The next year, 1951, Little League institutes a rule banning girls from eligibility "under any conditions." It wasn't until 1974 that the ban was lifted. Lang tells the tale in a direct and sympathetic manner, without maudlin sentimentality or anger, instead stressing Kathryn's love of baseball and her strength of character. Puglesi's bright cartoons have the look of the mid-20th century, depicting the characters, all white, with very large round eyes in heads that are larger than their bodies while still conveying subtle changes in emotions. Young readers are introduced to an admirable woman.Hooray for Kathryn, who made her quiet mark on baseball. (author's note, timeline, acknowledgements) (Picture book. 6-10)

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February 19, 2018
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.

March 1, 2018

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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
Kathryn "Tubby" Johnston initially resorted to subterfuge to join a Little League team in 1950. Fortunately, her coach recognized her talent, letting her play even after she'd confessed her gender. Lang details Johnston's resolve and baseball skills convincingly. The appended photographs of Johnston in uniform convey her determination better than Puglesi's retro, cartoonish illustrations. Back matter about female ballplayers throughout history adds context. Timeline.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)