The Home-Run King (Scraps of Time, 1937)
Jimbo and Tank can hardly believe that famous home-run hitter Josh Gibson is staying at their house. His team, the Homestead Grays, is playing the Tennessee All-Stars, and Negro League teams rely on families to house the players, especially in towns like Nashville where white hotels won't let Black people stay. Gibson's visit inspires the brothers to talk the ballpark owner, Mr. Mundy, into sponsoring and coaching a team for neighborhood boys. Mr. Mundy agrees, and soon the Red Roosters are playing their first game. But by the time it's over, Tank has quit the team. He just couldn't resist showing off, trying to hit like Josh Gibson. Now even Jimbo is mad at him for messing up their chance to win. The latest entry in Patricia McKissack's "Scraps of Time" series that weaves historical African American people and events into a fictional family history is full of appeal, from its sports-infused narrative to the very real fun and frustration shared by siblings Tank and Jimbo. ©2008 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Gordon C. James
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 7-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
20th Century
African Americans
Brothers
Celebrity/Fame
Historical Fiction
Racism
Sports
U.S. History
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Viking
Publish Year: 2008
Pages: 92
ISBN: 9780670010851
CCBC Location: Fiction, McKissack