From School Library Journal
Grade 2-3-Jackie Mitchell always dreamed of being a great baseball pitcher, and at age 17 she signed a contract to play with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Her chance to prove herself came on April 2, 1931, during an Exhibition game against the New York Yankees when she pitched against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, striking both out before walking Tony Lazzeri. She was then pulled from the game, which the Yankees finally won. Unfortunately, the commissioner of baseball canceled the teen's contract shortly after, claiming that the game was "too tough for women." An author's note and an afterword give additional background information about women in baseball and about Mitchell's career. Realistic, pale colored-pencil sketches break up the text, but don't really add anything to the story. Still, the easy format and large print will appeal to beginning and reluctant readers.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.