Stars in the Shadows

Gr 2–4—Smith uses a fictional radio sports announcer to introduce the players on both Negro League East-West Classic teams in this beginning chapter book. The story takes place during a time when baseball was segregated and fans voted for their favorite players to make the All-Star roster. Within a basic organization plan of nine innings, or chapters, the author writes in a poetic narrative style, using rhyming couplets that sound awkward at times. The poetry is interrupted by sections of prose whenever a fictional fan provides details about a favorite player, such as Oscar Charleston or Josh Gibson. In addition, to add atmosphere and mood, the poetry is separated by occasional radio commercials for a grocery or a barbershop, which was typical of broadcasts at that time. The large, appealing graphite artwork crosses the gutter on dramatic spreads. Fans of baseball history will be encouraged to look for further information on these players, who are merely highlighted within the text. This slender volume can augment African American history units and sports collections everywhere.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA