Day 40: 45 Days of Summer

Bottom of the 33rd by Dan Barry

So, I haven't actually read this book, but today is my dad's birthday and this is the book that I got for him.

I'm hoping that he reads it fast because I do want to read it. The true story about a minor league game that went 33 innings back in 1981. FYI: It looks like Wade Boggs and Cal Ripkin played in this game.

I can't wait to read it. Fingers crossed it is as good as it looks. Have you read it? What did you think?

Review: Who's On First? (Illustrated by Martz)

Title: Who's On First?
Author: Abbott (Illustrator: Martz)
Genre: Fiction, Picture Books, Baseball, Humor
Pages: 40
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ages: Kindergarten-2nd grade

Yes, Mondays are becoming "Picture Book" review days. There's just so many good books out there this summer for all ages. In honor of tomorrow's MLB All-Star game, I thought I would highlight this favorite from my summer reading list for the younger crowd. 

From the Publisher: 
"Who's on first. What's on second. I Don't Know's on third." One of the classic comedy sketches of all time is now transformed into a priceless picture book-and it's a great read for kids of all ages. Follow the mistaken identities, confusion, and lots of laughs as Rabbit and Bear act out this scene.  Illustrated in full color with slightly retro stylized illustrations.

This is the classic routine from Abbott & Costello. I actually grew up listening to re-runs of this and have always enjoyed watching old footage of the comedy greats performing this sketch. ("Third base!") Martz' illustrations really lend well to bringing this humor to all ages. Rabbit and Bear are such great characters...as were Bud and Lou. This is a book not to be missed!

Spotlight On: Black History Month (Satchel Paige)

If you are a regular visitor to this blog, you will know that I am a huge sports fan. Some of my favorite books are biographies of famous sports legends, or collections of heroic sports stories (think Rick Reilly).

Today I thought I would honor the 40th anniversary of the nomination of Satchel Paige to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. On February 9, 1971, pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige became the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame. In August of that year, Paige, a pitching legend known for his fastball, showmanship and the longevity of his playing career, which spanned five decades, was inducted. Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio once called Paige "the best and fastest pitcher I've ever faced."

There are many Negro League players with incredible talent and the life stories to match. This graphic novel, "Satchel Paige: striking out Jim Crow," follows Paige from game to game as he travels through the segregated South. The powerful graphics and prose definitely do justice to this sports legend!

Forget the Mariners, get excited about baseball again!

Yes, we all know that Mrs. Yusko is a sports junkie.  And just slightly crazy for books :)  So, of course I am going to be a fan of...books about sports!  Really, what could be better?!

Baseball's Negro Leagues have always interested me and I have read numerous books about the coaches, players, and others important to the league.  There are many fascinating life stories to be told, and amazing sports stars from this time in baseball's history. 









"We Are the Ship" by Kadir Nelson is THE book to read about the Negro Leagues and has been on my recommended reading list since it's publication in 2008.  This is a MUST READ for baseball/sports fans of any age!  Since the Mariner's aren't doing so well (I mean really, are you even following their season any more?), check out this book to get excited about baseball again.

There are two reasons that I'm posting about this book right now.  First, the author/illustrator's drawings from "We Are the Ship" has been used to inspire a series of US Postage Stamps about the Negro Leagues.  What an honor!  Check out the stamps at a post office near you.

Secondly, I was able to meet (very briefly) Kadir Nelson in June at the library conference I attended.  I was able to get an autographed copy of the book...and it is one of the highlights of the conference for me.  Now the problem is, my dad's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks.  He is the man who inspired my love of sports and has coached baseball at all levels for over 30 years.  My dilemma?  Keep the autographed book all for myself or give it my wonderful dad for his birthday? 

Review: Heart of the Game (Price)

Title: Heart of the Game
Author: Price
Genre: Biography, Sports, Baseball, Death
Pages: 320
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!


To be honest, I read two books tonight...one I didn't like, and one that is "too old" to recommend for my target audience.  So, instead, I thought I would review a book that I will be booktalking in the fall for the 9th grade Non-Fiction IRP.  It is baseball season after all, and we are all still reeling from Griffey's retirement.  Though, this isn't really a happily ever after story either... 


Mike Coolbaugh was a 35 year old minor league baseball coach.  In July, 2007, Mike was killed instantly while coaching 1st base when a foul ball ricocheted off his neck.  This true story follows Mike's life and baseball career as well as that of his teammate that hit the fatal ball.  I have always considered myself a sports junkie, but this book is so much more.  Yes, you will get plenty of baseball!  But you will also get drama, tragedy, and an amazing life story.