Book Description About the Author Leah Henderson was one of only two girls on a highly competitive “all-boys” traveling soccer team when she was young, so Mamie’s desire to play ball echoed her own. Leah writes for young readers of all ages, and her books include Children’s Africana Book Awards notable and Bank Street Best Books of 2017, One Shadow on the Wall. She is a mentor, and avid traveler, and her volunteer work has roots in West Africa. Leah holds an MFA in Writing and is on faculty in Spalding University’s MFA program. When she is not traveling or off playing soccer with her dog at midnight, you can find her at home in Washington, D.C.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 Read more Customers Review: Inspiring story and vibrant art on a little-known (to me) subject! Young readers will love learning about Mamie Johnson’s persistence and confidence in a time when, as Henderson states, she had two big strikes against her. An engaging biography that’s sure to spark thoughtful conversations on race, gender, class, and equality. In pitching terms, a shutout.
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson only played professional baseball for 3 years, but she certainly left an impression. She received an honor from First Lady Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama recognized her accomplishments as well. This book tells the story of how she turned her dream into a reality.Mamie Johnson spent a lot of time figuring out how she could be a baseball player as a child. It was unusual for a little girl or even a little black girl to play baseball. She knew if she were given the chance, she could show them how good she was. She had a great right arm and that was her secret weapon. She tried to play with other girls but preferred to play sandlot baseball with the boys. When she was older, she went to try out at the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the white women didn’t want her there.One day, Bish Tyson, a former Negro League player, told her about Bunny Downs who was in charge of a team called the Indianapolis Clowns. This was a professional ball team. Mamie was asked to be on the team and now she could play professional baseball just like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Satchel Paige. Life was hard on the road in the Jim Crow south, but Mamie hung in and followed her heart and her dream.Author Leah Henderson has done a fantastic job telling this inspiring story of a woman who cleared the way for others. This beautifully illustrated treasure brings the story to life. Parents and teachers can use this guide to teach readers about baseball, history and how if you work hard you can do anything.
Do you, or a child of your acquaintance, know the story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson? Her biography is an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished when a person has a dream and is willing to do everything possible to make it happen.Young Mamie had a talent for baseball at a time when she was not welcome in the sport as a female and an African American. How did she deal with this? Elementary school readers will learn how Mamie became a pitcher and will witness the influence that she had. eventually being honored by the White House.Mamie’s story is well told by the author and well illustrated as well. Together author and illustrator bring Mamie and the world that she lived in to life. At the end of the book, there is a list of additional resources. Mamie on the Mound is a perfect book for school libraries. I highly recommend it.Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Leah Henderson is starting 2020 off with a fantastic new book about the incredibly talented Mamie Johnson. Mamie “Peanut” Johnson was an amazing trailblazer in the world of women’s baseball. She grew up in New Jersey with a passion for baseball, and a determination to be the best. Mamie joined the Negro Leagues and broke several records. She overcame the prejudice and segregation of the 1950s to fulfill her dream and challenge the expectations of others. The illustrations by George Doutsiopoulos are rich in color and detail. The back of the book has more information about the baseball player as well as a black and white photo of Mamie Johnson. Leah Henderson wrote a well-researched nonfiction text that is perfect for Black History Month, as well as National Women’s Month. A must-have for school and classroom libraries.
This picture book biography of Mamie, “Peanut” Johnson tells a little-known story of a black woman who successfully pursued her dream to play baseball. Rejected from white women’s teams, this talented and tenacious young woman persisted and never gave up; ultimately she played on men’s Negro League teams. The well written story describes well her “can-do” attitude that she used to face discrimination, prejudice, and obstacles. Children will be inspired by her grit and talent and pursuit of her dream. And they will love the colorful and vivid illustrations! |
5 reviews