LUKE GOES TO BAT

A small Brooklyn boy longs to play stickball with the big boys on Bedford Avenue. But he’s not old enough, big enough, or skilled enough. Luke can see the lights of Ebbets Field from his rooftop and hear the sounds of the crowd, maybe cheering for a Jackie Robinson homerun. He can imagine it all happening right there on his roof. Finally he’s asked to join a game, but he strikes out twice. His grandmother surprises him with tickets to the Dodger game, where Robinson really does win it with a home run. After the game, he’s up on the roof and imagines Jackie there, encouraging him to keep on trying. Isadora’s simple tale of love, baseball and determination is delightfully enhanced by her warm, expressive watercolor illustrations. Luke’s wistfulness, despair, dreams and joy glow from every page. Charming and tender. (Picture book. 4-9)