Pitching Pro

A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson by Michelle Y. Green

Set in post-WWII America, Mamie Johnson fights to play baseball in a world dominated not only by men, but by white men. Jackie Robinson's dive into professional baseball opened the door a crack for Mamie, but--as she reveals--the division between the sexes remained steadfast.

I would declare this as a biography with some sass. Told in first person, Mamie relives her baseball career starting when she played in the backyard with family and friends and ending with her pitching in the Negro Leagues. The narrator's tone throughout the book is lighthearted, although not in a way that scoffs at her struggles. She seems to have taken the hand that was dealt to her in stride.

Her positive, yet saucy, attitude makes this a biography sports fans and young girls would appreciate. It portrays the ability to overcome social obstacles, while still managing to accomplish one's goals. It's also a fast-paced read, so struggling readers may find this a doable chapter book.

Target age range: upper elementary/middle school

Your protagonist is a hamster.

 The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

In Humphrey's habit of emphasizing a word three times: ADORABLE-ADORABLE-ADORABLE.

I found this book to be charming for readers while still managing to captivate interest. In a literary world that's raising prostitots (thanks for the word, Dance Moms) via age inappropriate series (for example, House of Night, which twelve year olds were devouring in my class last year), Humphrey captivates its audience through a relatable character who isn't crude/sexy/superficial.

Purchased from a pet store by a substitute, Humphrey is brought to Room 26 in order to teach students responsibility. When Ms. Mac (the sub) leaves after the return of Room 26's regular classroom teacher, Humphrey is forced to spend weekends with his classmates at their homes. Humphrey learns something about each child: one lives in a non-English speaking household, one lives with a giant dog, one has a family addicted to TV. In turn for cleaning his cage and feeding him lettuce, Humphrey provides each family with some helpful advice--like if a hamster happens to unplug your TV, it's okay not to plug it back in for a few days. The underlying subtexts of "it's okay to be different" and "some of your classmates may have struggles at home" reach readers who find themselves empathizing with the supporting characters.

The ability to snatch readers' attentions at a time when hormones and what's "cool" begin to impede their judgements is what makes this book a worthy read for kids. My fourth graders are fighting over who gets the next available copy. Luckily for them, Humphrey comes in a series (minus the prostitots).

Target age range: upper elementary/early middle school

review - n. a formal assessment or examination of something

I love to read. Sometimes you get a really great book, but then there are times when books are somehow lacking. And (unfortunately) you occasionally get a book that is just not the slightest bit interesting doing it for you.

In August of 2011, I took over as the librarian in an elementary school, so I spend a lot of my time reading children's literature. Prior to that I was a middle grades Language Arts teacher for fives years, and before that I worked in a university library. I'm hoping to read and review books for all ages in this blog in order to try to save you from those terrible books and lead you towards some that I personally liked.

Enjoy.