All Star
How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
The remarkable story of Larry Doby, the first Black baseball player in the American League.
In 1947, Larry Doby signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American leagues. He endured terrible racism, both from fans and his fellow teammates. Despite this, he became a unifying force on and off the field, and went on to become a seven-time All Star. Illustrated with Cannaday Chapman’s bold, stylized illustrations, this exceptional biography tells the story of an unsung hero who not only opened doors for those behind him, but set amazing records during his Hall of Fame career. More significantly, it examines the long fight to overcome racism in sports and our culture at large, a fight that is far from over.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Larry Doby (1923–2003), the first Black baseball player to play in the American League and the second to play in the major leagues, takes center stage in this picture book biography by Vernick, which opens with the figure's childhood in an unsegregated South Carolina neighborhood. Interspersed with Doby's quotes, and highlighting his milestones in baseball as well as the bigotry he faced, the narrative emphasizes change as an ongoing process: "The door was closed to Black players.... His world didn't even allow him to dream of reaching the major leagues. The world would have to change." Chapman's subtly textured, poster-style digital spreads emphasize stylized figures from varying angles, rendered in a subdued vintage-toned palette. This worthy spotlight on a baseball hero will also serve as a solid discussion opener about ongoing racism and discrimination in sports. Back matter includes an author's note and selected bibliography. Ages 4–7.
