All Star: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball
About this ebook
In 1947, Larry Doby signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American leagues. He endured terrible racism, both from fans and his fellow teammates. Despite this, he became a unifying force on and off the field, and went on to become a seven-time All Star. Illustrated with Cannaday Chapman’s bold, stylized illustrations, this exceptional picture book biography tells the story of an unsung hero who not only opened doors for those behind him, but set amazing records during his Hall of Fame career. More significantly, it examines the long fight to overcome racism in sports and our culture at large, a central theme in civil rights history that is far from over.
This powerful true story shows young readers:
- Black History for Kids: The inspiring true story of Larry Doby, who broke barriers as the first Black baseball player in the American League just weeks after Jackie Robinson.
- Baseball History for Kids: A look into the Negro Leagues, the Cleveland Indians’ 1948 World Series win, and the career of a seven-time All-Star and Hall of Famer.
- Overcoming Adversity: A straightforward account of the racism Larry Doby faced from fans and teammates, and how he met it with strength and grace to become a unifying force.
- Inspiring Picture Book: With bold, stylized illustrations, this book provides an accessible introduction to a pivotal figure in sports and civil rights.
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About the author
Audrey Vernick is the author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including Is Your Buffalo Ready For Kindergarten? and Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team. She is also the coauthor of the middle grade novels Two Naomis and Naomis Too. She lives with her family near the ocean in New Jersey. Visit her online at audreyvernick.com
Cannaday Chapman is the illustrator of the picture book biographies All-Star: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball and Feed Your Mind: The Story of August Wilson, and his work has been featured in the New York Times and on the cover of The New Yorker. He was born in upstate New York and studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and he currently lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
