Just Like Josh Gibson

by; Angela Johnson

illustrated by; Beth Peck

In this story Grandmama retells one of  her childhood memories to her grand-daughter.  Grandma tells about being and African American girl in the 1940's.  She wanted wanted nothing more than to play baseball like her hero Josh Gibson but girls at that time were not allowed to play.  Her father buys her a bat on the day she is born and teaches her how to play.  Sometimes she was able to play with her brother and his friends.  Everyone said it was a shame she was a girl because she could catch and throw just like the boys.  She always watches the game from the sideline.  She finally got her chance to play in a game when her brother broke his arm and they needed and eighth player.  She ends her story by recalling the cheers she heard that day. 

 

This is an inspiring story about following your dreams and not giving up.  The story itself does not give much information about Josh Gibson but there is great information in the back about black baseball players, including Josh Gibson.  Although the story does not teach about the famous baseball player it does do a nice job of  showing what it was like to be discriminated againt.  It is a wonderful book to teach African American History.