Module 6: Brothers at Bat

Summary:

This is the true story of the Accera family, consisting of 16 children.  The 12 sons are all baseball players and travel around playing together.  The country is facing tough times during the 1930s, but baseball is a source of joy for many, including the Accera family.  The brothers traveled the East Coast and often drew large crowds.  When the 1940s arrived, and the country was thrust into war, six of the brothers went to serve the country.  All six return and continue to play ball.  The games come to an end in the early 1950s.

APA Reference:

Vernick, A., & Salerno, S. (2012). Brothers at bat: The true story of an amazing all-brother baseball team.

Impression:

This book was a warm story about being a family.  The Acceras stick together through thick and thin.  It was a happy story, even with a few small tragedies thrown in, and the illustrations added to the feel of it.  They had a nostalgic feel, and reflected the postitvity of the post war era. 

Professional Review:

Here's a fun and true story to start out the baseball season. Vernick relates the history of the Acerra family's 16 children, consisting of 12 boys who formed their own semiprofessional baseball team in Long Branch, NJ, during the 1930s. Their dad was their coach and biggest fan. The team is honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame for being the all-time longest-playing all-brotherteam in baseball history. The author exhibits good humor by pointing out individual boys' distinguishing characteristics such as Charlie, the slow runner who "hit a ball nearly out of the park, but only made it to second." There is a retro feel to Salerno's illustrations done in black crayon, gouache, watercolor, and pastel, with digital color added. Shades of green, blue, and turquoise augment the outdoor scenes. Readers will laugh out loud as they spot one brother out the bedroom window at night running with toilet paper in hand to their three-seater outhouse. This story sends out positive vibes of a family who sticks together, yet couples the tale with sorrowful times as well. A delight not to miss.

Christolon, B. (2012). Brothers at bat: the true story of an amazing all-brother baseball team.  School Library Journal., 58(4), 153.

Library Use:

This book would be a fun read aloud to introduce non-fiction.  It would also be a nice read in the spring as many students are beginning to practice and play ball.  It also would be a good book for viewing illustrations and learning to analyze the images.