5 Star Review
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Editorial Book Review:
By Morgan Smith
This fascinating and encouraging picture-book follows a trailblazing athlete who overcame significant challenges to achieve her goals. The book, written for young readers, exposes them to an unsung hero in sports history: a woman who made her mark in a male-dominated sport during a time of racial segregation and persecution. It chronicles the path of a brave female athlete who refused to let social restrictions define her and who finally became the first woman to play professional baseball in a men's league.
What makes this book particularly compelling is how it highlights the multiple layers of challenges the athlete faced. She was not only challenging gender norms in a world where baseball was seen as purely a man's activity but also navigating the harsh reality of racism. She persisted anyway, emphasizing her love of the game and the pure delight it brought her. The book depicts these hardships and achievements in a way that is both approachable and encouraging to young readers, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can conquer even the most difficult challenges.
The illustrations beautifully complement the text, bringing the story to life with vivid depictions of the era, the stadiums, and the athlete’s determination. The combination of art and storytelling ensures that the lessons go beyond a history lesson—it’s a story of resilience, courage, and the determination to pursue one's dreams no matter the odds.
You won't find a simple sports narrative in this book. Something that can be used to teach young people about how racism affects the United States, how men and women should have equal rights, and how to be persistent. Young people, especially girls, should follow their dreams even if society tells them not to. This shows how the athlete changed things for the better. This story will move and inspire you, and it has lessons that aren't just about baseball. You, your kids, and your teachers should all read it.
About the Author
Karen L. Swanson
It was a trip to her son’s first grade class way back in 2001 that inspired Karen Swanson to start writing for kids. But while writing her first book (an adventure story about Alexander Calder: it wasn’t published so don’t bother looking!) her doctor said she might need medication to treat high cholesterol. Instead she researched then launched 'golowcholesterol' an award-winning blog about how to lower cholesterol naturally.
That led to more health writing, including articles for "Healthline" and "Answers," and two books about cholesterol.
But all along Karen continued to pursue her passion for writing for kids. SWINGING INTO HISTORY about Toni Stone, the first woman to play professional baseball, is Karen’s first published book for kids.
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