Chadwick, Bruce. When the Game Was Black and White. New York, N.Y.: Abbeville Press, 1992.
Almost 200 pages of interesting, informative text and photographs, many of which I have not found in other sources. Text is interspersed with quotes from various personalities associated with black baseball. Does an excellent job of covering the topic. Selected material could be read orally to younger students, some of whom could read portions of the text on their own. Photographs would appeal to any age level.
Curtis, Gavin. The Bat Boy and His Violin. New York, N.Y.: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1998.
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Set in the 1940’s, this fictitious children’s story tells us about about a young boy, Reginald, whose love is the violin, not baseball. His father, manager of the Negro League Dukes, has little patience for his son’s “fiddling.” He persuades his son to act as team bat boy with the condition that Reginald be allowed to practice in the dugout. This arrangement forges a closer relationship between father and son while giving us an inside look at life in the Negro Leagues. Excellent for young children. Could be read by many third graders. Can provoke discussion on father-son relationships.
Fremon, David. Negro Baseball League. New York: New Discovery Books, 1994.
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This book presents the history of the Negro Leagues, their changing structure, teams, and personalities. Some photographs. Could be read by some third graders.
McKissack, Patricia and Patrick, Jr. Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Leagues. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1994. Small paperback containing considerable information and some small photographs. Player profile and time line can be quite helpful.
O’Conner, Jim. Jackie Robinson and the Story of All-Black Baseball. New York: Random House, 1989.
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Geared for the young reader, this book tell an adequate, but brief, history of black baseball and Jackie Robinson’s crossing of the color-line. Contains both photographs and illustrations.
Ribowsky, Mark. A Complete History of the Negro Leagues 1884 to 1955. Carol Publishing Group, 1997.
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This book gives a detailed account of black baseball and the Negro Leagues. The are few pictures, but an abundance of information. Too difficult for most elementary student. Excellent resource for teacher.
Ritter, Lawrence. Leagues Apart-The Men and Times of the Negro Baseball Leagues. New York: Morrow Junior Books, 1995.
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Vividly colored illustrations, especially those of Negro League stars, highlight this book. Text summarizes information on the League’s major stars. Could be read independently by many third graders.
Robinson, Rachel with Lee Daniels. Jackie Robinson An Intimate Portrait. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1996.
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Narrated by Jackie’s wife, Rachel, this book presents us with an intimate, detailed look at the life of Jackie Robinson, both on and off the field. Though selected material would have to be read to younger students, people of all ages will appreciate the wonderful photographs which augment the text.