A Kids' Guide to the National Baseball Hall of Fame

September 15, 2024
Grades 3-7 Buckley's most recent sports book is a treasure trove of information for kids intrigued by baseball and its greatest players. Available as part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's publishing program for children, this informative, visually appealing volume introduces over 175 players, managers, umpires, sportscasters, and others who have been honored with induction into this venerable institution. Tailor-made for kids who love baseball, the book organizes the players alphabetically by last name but presents other individuals in groups based on their roles. Each individual is introduced in a short, engaging paragraph, accompanied by a well-chosen photo in color or black and white. The author of many middle-grade biographies, notably for the Who Was? series, as well as other nonfiction books on historical and sports-related topics, Buckley also wrote The National Baseball Hall of Fame Collection (2024), which presents similar topics to adults. From the concise introductions to baseball's best players to the readable and enlightening time line, Buckley's latest book offers a rewarding, historical resource for young baseball fans.

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November 1, 2024

Gr 4 Up-This well-crafted book offers thumbnail sketches and photos of 180 players who have been inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame. Sections also highlight notable broadcasters, commissioners, executives such as Branch Rickey, international all-stars, managers, and umpires. Some of the greatest National Negro League players, barred from the major leagues during their lifetimes have been posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame. These include Josh Gibson, "Cool Papa" Bell, and Oscar Charleston, the only player to have won a batting triple crown three times. The only woman in the Hall of Fame, Effa Manley, co-owner of the Negro Leagues' Newark Eagles, is also mentioned. Helpful appendices add context: the full list of all Hall of Fame inductees, glossary of baseball terms, time line of baseball history, other awards such as the Cy Young award for pitching, and rules for election to the Hall of Fame. This is an excellent resource for fans and browsers, with an attractive design and plenty of colorful trivia and quotes, including manager Casey Stengel directing his players to "line up alphabetically by height." VERDICT Readers will have to look elsewhere for a comprehensive history of baseball; nonetheless, this overview is a good option for most collections.-Marilyn Taniguchi

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