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She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
"A wonderful picture book biography. Little girls will be inspired."* This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth’s mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the first—and only—woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. From author Audrey Vernick and illustrator Don Tate comes the remarkable story of an all-star of a woman. *Brightly.com
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2010
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About the author
Audrey Vernick
38 books151 followersAudrey Vernick is the author of books for young readers.
Forthcoming titles:
When I Redraw the World, illustrated by Heather Fox
Homesick, written with Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
www.audreyvernick.com
Forthcoming titles:
When I Redraw the World, illustrated by Heather Fox
Homesick, written with Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
www.audreyvernick.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 6, 2021
Effa's story deserves to be told, but this book missed the mark for me a little. It starts strong, with a heart-wrenching scene in which the principal at Effa's school reprimanded her for playing with "those Negroes" in the schoolyard. "Those Negroes" were Effa's own brothers and sisters! Effa was light-skinned, like her mother, but her siblings were darker, like their father. "People with dark skin soucln't eat in certain restaurants or swim in public pools. Now it seemed they couldn't play with their sister, either. 'That's just the way things are,' people said. But it never made sense to Effa."
The theme of challenging the societal norm and striving for greater equality shines strong throughout the book. However, the story itself is kind of all over the place. I got a good sense of Effa's perseverance and core values I don't feel I learned much about her personality. I wanted to know why she loved baseball so much. I wanted to know what made her capable of managing the business end of the Brooklyn Eagles team at a time when most women weren't involved in business or baseball. (I also wanted to know more about her husband (who started the team with her) and why he loved and championed such a strong woman.) Instead, we get lots of little details about various Negro League players and games which, to me, didn't really enhance Effa's biography--though I did like hearing about the care Effa took of her players and their affectionately calling her "mother hen." I also learned that initially the Negro League teams were NOT paid for their players when the players were signed over to major leagues, so they lost their star players and weren't compensated for it in any way. Effa worked hard to change that--and finally succeeded. She also began a letter-writing campaign to convince the National Baseball Hall of Fame to acknowledge the best of the Negro League players and this, too, eventually happened. And Effa herself posthumously became the the first woman ever to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, there is NO author's note, and no Bibliography included in the back. To me, that is a huge shortcoming in a biography. I appreciate the intention behind the book and am glad Effa's story is being shared with children, but I can't give it more than three stars given the somewhat uneven story and the lack of source material.
The theme of challenging the societal norm and striving for greater equality shines strong throughout the book. However, the story itself is kind of all over the place. I got a good sense of Effa's perseverance and core values I don't feel I learned much about her personality. I wanted to know why she loved baseball so much. I wanted to know what made her capable of managing the business end of the Brooklyn Eagles team at a time when most women weren't involved in business or baseball. (I also wanted to know more about her husband (who started the team with her) and why he loved and championed such a strong woman.) Instead, we get lots of little details about various Negro League players and games which, to me, didn't really enhance Effa's biography--though I did like hearing about the care Effa took of her players and their affectionately calling her "mother hen." I also learned that initially the Negro League teams were NOT paid for their players when the players were signed over to major leagues, so they lost their star players and weren't compensated for it in any way. Effa worked hard to change that--and finally succeeded. She also began a letter-writing campaign to convince the National Baseball Hall of Fame to acknowledge the best of the Negro League players and this, too, eventually happened. And Effa herself posthumously became the the first woman ever to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, there is NO author's note, and no Bibliography included in the back. To me, that is a huge shortcoming in a biography. I appreciate the intention behind the book and am glad Effa's story is being shared with children, but I can't give it more than three stars given the somewhat uneven story and the lack of source material.
April 2, 2016
Here's a book that's been around for half a decade and received nowhere NEAR the attention it deserves. There's more than a touch of irony in that, since Effa Manley's life was also largely ignored by anyone in the circles of power, meaning Major League Baseball. She was truly a woman ahead of her time in the arenas of sports, business, civil rights, and gender stereotypes.
Her integrity, ingenuity, and insistence on fairness changed lives and the face of American baseball. Long after the Negro League disbanded she advocated for long overdue recognition and honors for players, including assignment to baseball's Hall of Fame. On July 30, 2006, she became the first female affiliated with the Negro League inducted into the Hall of Fame on her own merits. As her tombstone says, She Loved Baseball.
If ever there were a biography begging to be made into a movie, this is it. Is anyone in Hollywood ready to take it on?
Her integrity, ingenuity, and insistence on fairness changed lives and the face of American baseball. Long after the Negro League disbanded she advocated for long overdue recognition and honors for players, including assignment to baseball's Hall of Fame. On July 30, 2006, she became the first female affiliated with the Negro League inducted into the Hall of Fame on her own merits. As her tombstone says, She Loved Baseball.
If ever there were a biography begging to be made into a movie, this is it. Is anyone in Hollywood ready to take it on?
September 30, 2018
This is a story that I didn't know, about Negro League team manager, Effa Manley. It's eye-opening, and feel-good, in that Ms. Manley finally got what she wanted, although it came after she died.
The illustrations are beautiful - I especially like the cityscapes that are backdrops in some pictures - and they help to ground the story when so much of the material is new, at least to me.
However, the story itself is a little... choppy. The opening account of Manley's childhood is heart-wretching, but doesn't seem connected to other parts of her story. Her siblings are not mentioned again, nor is her formal education or her hometown. There is a two-page spread about some of the players on the Eagles, which she helped manage, but it seems like such an abrupt break in the narrative that I can't help but wonder if there were a better way to introduce these players.
I do value the theme (repetend) - which, admittedly, is in that opening scene - that we don't have to accept the way things are. I see Effa Manley's life as evidence of that.
The illustrations are beautiful - I especially like the cityscapes that are backdrops in some pictures - and they help to ground the story when so much of the material is new, at least to me.
However, the story itself is a little... choppy. The opening account of Manley's childhood is heart-wretching, but doesn't seem connected to other parts of her story. Her siblings are not mentioned again, nor is her formal education or her hometown. There is a two-page spread about some of the players on the Eagles, which she helped manage, but it seems like such an abrupt break in the narrative that I can't help but wonder if there were a better way to introduce these players.
I do value the theme (repetend) - which, admittedly, is in that opening scene - that we don't have to accept the way things are. I see Effa Manley's life as evidence of that.
February 12, 2019
Picture book about Effa Manley, owner of the Newark Eagles, Negro League Baseball team. The artwork is beautiful. I wish the story was fleshed out a little more. Some (interesting) facts about her life are laid out without a lot of context or detail, and somewhat devoid of emotion. She's such a fascinating strong person; I really wish her story was presented in a more engaging manner. Still worth a read, especially if you're not overly familiar with Effa Manley.
February 4, 2017
I never write reviews of books. But this one, and Effa's story in general, deserve it.
The story is beautiful. The pictures are beautiful.
And for me, it proved that baseball's finest moments are not always on the field.
Sometimes there IS crying in baseball-- when you read about the people and history, that is.
The story is beautiful. The pictures are beautiful.
And for me, it proved that baseball's finest moments are not always on the field.
Sometimes there IS crying in baseball-- when you read about the people and history, that is.
October 19, 2010
Wonderful biography of a determined activist and a pioneer in baseball. A great persepctive on Negro League baseball history.
December 18, 2011
I loved not only the story, but the pictures. I could stare at these pictures forever. Beautiful story about Abe Manley's wife. The best part a message about perseverance.
August 25, 2017
megan summer reading 2017, children's book, picture book, nonfiction, non-fiction, sports, baseball, biography, African American history, second grade, third grade,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2010
This new biographical picture book about Effa Manley, the first--and only--woman inducted into the august National Baseball Hall of Fame is a terrific read for kids and adults as well. No, she was not a baseball player herself, rather she was the proud co-owner and manager of the Newark Eagles, a Negro League team, and an advocate for civil rights.
Effa always loved baseball, and after moving to New York loved to see Babe Ruth play for the Yankees. She was also an early civil rights organizer, establishing the Citizens' League for Fair Play in Harlem, to pressure Harlem's largest department store to hire black salesclerks. "Don't Buy Where You Can't Work!," said their picket signs. In 1935, Effa and her husband Abe started a new baseball team, the Eagles, that was part of the new Negro National League that her husband helped to establish. Effa handled the team's business and attended league meetings, despite complaints from other owners that baseball was no place for a woman. Her players called her their "mother hen," and she took care of them, even helping them find off-season jobs.
After Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball, the Negro League stated losing fans and top players, and eventually disbanded. But Effa's efforts on behalf of her players didn't end. She feared the Negro Leagues would be forgotten, and began a campaign to convince the National Baseball Hall of Fame to consider the best Negro League Players for membership. Due to her efforts, nine Negro League players were inducted between 1971 and 1977, but not enough according to Effa. She continued to advocate for dozens of Negro League stars until she died in 1981.
Not until 2006 were many of Effa's favorites, including stars from her team, inducted in Cooperstown. That year she, too, was inducted. Author Audrey Vernick writes, "She was recognized for all she did for her players, for her civil rights work, and for getting the major leagues to treat Negro League teams with respect."
This is a terrific book on so many levels; it touches on themes of women's rights and roles, civil rights, baseball history, and so much more. It would be an excellent book for classroom use or for parents to share with their children, particularly those who are baseball fans. The vibrant full-color acrylic illustrations by Don Tate, in a style he calls "in between realistic and cartoony," add immeasurably to the book's visual appeal. A teacher's guide for this outstanding book is available on the author's website. The teacher's guide includes an interview with both the author and the illustrator.
Effa always loved baseball, and after moving to New York loved to see Babe Ruth play for the Yankees. She was also an early civil rights organizer, establishing the Citizens' League for Fair Play in Harlem, to pressure Harlem's largest department store to hire black salesclerks. "Don't Buy Where You Can't Work!," said their picket signs. In 1935, Effa and her husband Abe started a new baseball team, the Eagles, that was part of the new Negro National League that her husband helped to establish. Effa handled the team's business and attended league meetings, despite complaints from other owners that baseball was no place for a woman. Her players called her their "mother hen," and she took care of them, even helping them find off-season jobs.
After Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball, the Negro League stated losing fans and top players, and eventually disbanded. But Effa's efforts on behalf of her players didn't end. She feared the Negro Leagues would be forgotten, and began a campaign to convince the National Baseball Hall of Fame to consider the best Negro League Players for membership. Due to her efforts, nine Negro League players were inducted between 1971 and 1977, but not enough according to Effa. She continued to advocate for dozens of Negro League stars until she died in 1981.
Not until 2006 were many of Effa's favorites, including stars from her team, inducted in Cooperstown. That year she, too, was inducted. Author Audrey Vernick writes, "She was recognized for all she did for her players, for her civil rights work, and for getting the major leagues to treat Negro League teams with respect."
This is a terrific book on so many levels; it touches on themes of women's rights and roles, civil rights, baseball history, and so much more. It would be an excellent book for classroom use or for parents to share with their children, particularly those who are baseball fans. The vibrant full-color acrylic illustrations by Don Tate, in a style he calls "in between realistic and cartoony," add immeasurably to the book's visual appeal. A teacher's guide for this outstanding book is available on the author's website. The teacher's guide includes an interview with both the author and the illustrator.
April 6, 2011
Vernick first introduces us to a young Effa Brooks in first grade. Effa loved playing baseball with her brothers but wasn't allowed because she was a girl and was lighter in skin tone. In 1932 after finishing high school Effa moves from Philadelphia to New York City.
Upset by the unfair treatment of Blacks. Effa gets involved to make a difference. White store owners were refusing to hire Black workers.
"She organized the Citizens League for Fair Play, a group of community leaders. They urged Harlem's largest department store to hire black salesclerks. The owner said no. Nobody believed a group of Black people could change a White bussinessman's mind, but the league fought anyway. For weeks they marched in the street. They convinced their neighbors to shop elsewhere. The store lost money. But still no Black salesclerks. The league kept marching. Finally they won. Newspapers reported the boycotts success."
In 1935 Effa marries Abe Manley. The couple started the Brooklyn Eagles, in the newly formed Negro National League. Effa played a vital roll in the teams sucess, even after they moved to New Jersey in 1936. She always fought for the rights of her players. In 1970, decades after the end of the Negro Leagues, Effa Manley started a letter writing campaign to get some Baseball Hall of Fame to induct some of the best Negro League players.
When I finished this biography, (which I loved, in case that's not obvious) my first thought was why, am I just know hearing about Effa Manley. As much as I love baseball and its history, Effa Manley is someone who I should know. And now I do.
This was a serious trifecta for me. 1. A woman who loved baseball. 2. a woman who refused to be stop because of her gender or race 3. It bridges the gap between the Negro Leagues and Majors.
Two of the players on the Eagles last team were Monte Irvin and Larry Doby. * Vernick also seamlessly includes 1946 Negro League world series between, the Newwark Eagles and the Kansas City Monarchs. Vernick makes the reader feel the excitement of that last game in the series.
Don Tate's colors and style have a very open feel , making them a perfect fit for this story. Tate paid close attention to details from the clothes to the model of the bus the team used. Towards the end there's a close up of Effa Manley that's simply beautiful.
When I read that in 2006 Effa Manley was the first woman ever to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, I got a little choked up. Thanks to Vernick and Tate, they did such a great job telling Effa Manley's stories. This is a must read for baseball fans of all ages.
Upset by the unfair treatment of Blacks. Effa gets involved to make a difference. White store owners were refusing to hire Black workers.
"She organized the Citizens League for Fair Play, a group of community leaders. They urged Harlem's largest department store to hire black salesclerks. The owner said no. Nobody believed a group of Black people could change a White bussinessman's mind, but the league fought anyway. For weeks they marched in the street. They convinced their neighbors to shop elsewhere. The store lost money. But still no Black salesclerks. The league kept marching. Finally they won. Newspapers reported the boycotts success."
In 1935 Effa marries Abe Manley. The couple started the Brooklyn Eagles, in the newly formed Negro National League. Effa played a vital roll in the teams sucess, even after they moved to New Jersey in 1936. She always fought for the rights of her players. In 1970, decades after the end of the Negro Leagues, Effa Manley started a letter writing campaign to get some Baseball Hall of Fame to induct some of the best Negro League players.
When I finished this biography, (which I loved, in case that's not obvious) my first thought was why, am I just know hearing about Effa Manley. As much as I love baseball and its history, Effa Manley is someone who I should know. And now I do.
This was a serious trifecta for me. 1. A woman who loved baseball. 2. a woman who refused to be stop because of her gender or race 3. It bridges the gap between the Negro Leagues and Majors.
Two of the players on the Eagles last team were Monte Irvin and Larry Doby. * Vernick also seamlessly includes 1946 Negro League world series between, the Newwark Eagles and the Kansas City Monarchs. Vernick makes the reader feel the excitement of that last game in the series.
Don Tate's colors and style have a very open feel , making them a perfect fit for this story. Tate paid close attention to details from the clothes to the model of the bus the team used. Towards the end there's a close up of Effa Manley that's simply beautiful.
When I read that in 2006 Effa Manley was the first woman ever to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, I got a little choked up. Thanks to Vernick and Tate, they did such a great job telling Effa Manley's stories. This is a must read for baseball fans of all ages.
February 15, 2019
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story is a children's picture book written by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Don Tate. It is a cursory biography about the early life of Effa Manley, who loved baseball so much that she would become a manager of a team that cared for her team so much that she would fight for recognition and equality for them.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Effa Louise Manley was an American sports executive. She co-owned the Newark Eagles baseball franchise in the Negro leagues with her husband Abe Manley. Throughout that time, she served as the team's business manager and fulfilled many of her husband's duties as treasurer of the Negro National League. She was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Vernick's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It retells the childhood of Effa Manley and the moment that she fell in love with baseball to her owning a team in the Negro League. Tate's illustrations are drawn rather well and depicted the narrative rather well also.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is the remarkable story of a woman who owned an African American baseball team. Effa Manley not only cared for her players, she also stood up for the rights of African Americans everywhere. Later, when her players were integrated into the major leagues, she fought for their right to get fair salaries and to be recognized in the baseball hall of fame. Eventually, she too was recognized in the Baseball Hall of Fame and the first women to be inducted.
All in all, She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story is a wonderful, but informative biography of Effa Manley and her wonderful story in baseball history.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Effa Louise Manley was an American sports executive. She co-owned the Newark Eagles baseball franchise in the Negro leagues with her husband Abe Manley. Throughout that time, she served as the team's business manager and fulfilled many of her husband's duties as treasurer of the Negro National League. She was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Vernick's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It retells the childhood of Effa Manley and the moment that she fell in love with baseball to her owning a team in the Negro League. Tate's illustrations are drawn rather well and depicted the narrative rather well also.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is the remarkable story of a woman who owned an African American baseball team. Effa Manley not only cared for her players, she also stood up for the rights of African Americans everywhere. Later, when her players were integrated into the major leagues, she fought for their right to get fair salaries and to be recognized in the baseball hall of fame. Eventually, she too was recognized in the Baseball Hall of Fame and the first women to be inducted.
All in all, She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story is a wonderful, but informative biography of Effa Manley and her wonderful story in baseball history.
April 23, 2019
Used for Final
Ever since she was a little girl, Effa was treated differently. Not only did she have dark skin, but it was not as dark as her brothers, so she was not allowed to play with them, and even if she could, girls were not supposed to play the games boys did in Philadelphia in the early 1900’s. After she moved to New York, she fell in love with everything about baseball thanks to seeing the Yankees play. Effa quickly noticed how most of the businesses in Harlem were owned by White people, so she organized a group of leaders that eventually convinced store owners to hire black employees. In 1935, Effa and her husband started a new baseball team in the Negro National League, and Effa was the person managing all the behind the scenes things to help the teams season run smoothly. The city began to rally behind their team the players, but other owners would protest Effa being involved because baseball was not for women. When MLB started taking players from the Negro Leagues, Effa convinced team owners that they needed to pay them for taking their players. Eventually the Negro League faded as the players went to MLB and Effa began writing to the National Baseball Hall of Fame so they would acknowledge the best Negro League players, and after her death many players were inducted, along with herself. Effa Manley was the first woman to be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.
This book educates readers about what hard work and passion can do regardless of gender. Effa did not let the people that told her women should not be in baseball stop her from doing she loved. I think this message is important for any student, boy or girl. This book was an easy read, so students could read this on their own, but I think it would be a better read aloud book because of the type of questions it would generate.
Ever since she was a little girl, Effa was treated differently. Not only did she have dark skin, but it was not as dark as her brothers, so she was not allowed to play with them, and even if she could, girls were not supposed to play the games boys did in Philadelphia in the early 1900’s. After she moved to New York, she fell in love with everything about baseball thanks to seeing the Yankees play. Effa quickly noticed how most of the businesses in Harlem were owned by White people, so she organized a group of leaders that eventually convinced store owners to hire black employees. In 1935, Effa and her husband started a new baseball team in the Negro National League, and Effa was the person managing all the behind the scenes things to help the teams season run smoothly. The city began to rally behind their team the players, but other owners would protest Effa being involved because baseball was not for women. When MLB started taking players from the Negro Leagues, Effa convinced team owners that they needed to pay them for taking their players. Eventually the Negro League faded as the players went to MLB and Effa began writing to the National Baseball Hall of Fame so they would acknowledge the best Negro League players, and after her death many players were inducted, along with herself. Effa Manley was the first woman to be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.
This book educates readers about what hard work and passion can do regardless of gender. Effa did not let the people that told her women should not be in baseball stop her from doing she loved. I think this message is important for any student, boy or girl. This book was an easy read, so students could read this on their own, but I think it would be a better read aloud book because of the type of questions it would generate.
April 13, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography of Effa Manley. She was a thoroughly amazing woman. Although this includes many illustrations, this book is geared towards the older student. Older children will enjoy reading this because it ties in literacy, with a love of sports and it offers a social studies lesson as well. The illustrations were amazing, but it would have been wonderful to include real pictures of this amazing woman as well. The pictures are vibrant and come to life when describing Effa's love of baseball from a young age. This book brings to life the issues that existed regarding segregation, the love of Jazz music, and the fascination with baseball, New York City, and Babe Ruth. Effa participated in and organized the Citizens League for Fair Play which insisted on civil rights and equal access. She got married and she and her husband started the Brooklyn Eagles in the Negro National Baseball League. She ran the team and eventually the players made the National Leagues. Eventually players were inducted into the Hall of Fame, but she had to fight for many of the African American Players to be inducted. She saw many injustices and many hardships, but she never did accept that things had to be the way they were. She was such a good person and such a strong person. I cried in the end because she didn't get to see the people she fought for get inducted into the Hall of Fame. She got inducted herself-she deserves it to. This is such a good book on so many levels. Very educational and very inspiring.
May 31, 2012
She Loved Baseball by Audrey Vernick takes place in the 1930’s and an era when African American baseball started and how a woman named Effa Manley played a big role in the movement of African American baseball, or Negro Leagues as they were called, to make a stop in segregation. This book takes the reader back to a place in history where these were big issues and it gives the reader a good perspective of what it might be like to be in someone else’s shoes.
Vernick did a superb job of telling Effie’s story and I could feel the passion and struggles Effie experienced throughout the course of the book. The plot lends itself to the reader jumping into the story with Effie and going on the journey to follow her dreams with her. I am impressed by all Effie accomplished and believe she deserves to be recognized for her accomplishments and Vernick did a great job honoring this woman.
This was a good book that walked you through the struggles Effie and others during her time faced. The book also has vivid illustrations of the characters reactions in different situations that they came across as times changed. The reader gets a good idea of what the sport of baseball meant to a lot of people and how it was not fair to keep someone from playing this great historic sport just because the color of one’s skin and where one might come from.
Vernick did a superb job of telling Effie’s story and I could feel the passion and struggles Effie experienced throughout the course of the book. The plot lends itself to the reader jumping into the story with Effie and going on the journey to follow her dreams with her. I am impressed by all Effie accomplished and believe she deserves to be recognized for her accomplishments and Vernick did a great job honoring this woman.
This was a good book that walked you through the struggles Effie and others during her time faced. The book also has vivid illustrations of the characters reactions in different situations that they came across as times changed. The reader gets a good idea of what the sport of baseball meant to a lot of people and how it was not fair to keep someone from playing this great historic sport just because the color of one’s skin and where one might come from.
October 27, 2010
This book is a very short juvenile biography of an amazing woman. For those of you who don't recognize the name, Effa Manley was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She and her husband were co-owners of one of the teams in the Negro National League, the Newark Eagles. Players for their team included Larry Doby, Don Newcombe and many others worthy of note, but Effa herself was a civil rights activist as well as a woman devoted to preserving the history of the African American teams that played baseball before the major leagues were integrated. She fought for her rights and those of her players, and her story deserves to be told. I was less thrilled with the artwork, but the writing was concise and informative.
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June 10, 2013Written by Audrey Vernick (2010)& illustrated by Don Tate. Illustrations with acrylic paints. A great biography about the life of a woman baseball team owner. She was African American and grew up in the early 1900s. she loved baseball and with her husband they developed the black baseball league because in the 1930s blacks were not allowed on professional baseball teams. She did not like it when people told her it was just the way it was done. She set out to change those ideas. She changed the ideas of people to hire blacks in the stores where they shopped. She changed the ides of the major league baseball to include blacks and they pay her black league for the best players. It took time and effect but she changed the world of baseball for the better.
March 26, 2011
Despite looking white at a time when it was difficult to be African American, Effa never denied her heritage. She both stood with and for her race. When protests were needed, Effa helped make them happen. When letters were needed, she wrote dozens over many years to get recognition for her players. While this picture book biography is hardly complete (picture book biographies are by nature incomplete) it does give the reader a glimpse of a woman passionate about a sport and its players. Tate's gorgeous illustrations provide a nice compliment to the crisp, narrative text, perfect for reading aloud. Recommended.
November 29, 2011
This is another great picture book biography to add to a market that has lately been blooming with great texts. It covers the life of a relative unknown, Effa Manley, in the baseball world who deservedly was inducted into the hall of fame for her hard work in getting the Negro Leagues the respect and recognition it deserved. I was impressed with the subject as much as I was with the author for all of her extensive research. This text comes without endnotes unlike many of the texts of its kind, but that's acceptable since she managed to incorporate so much information into the general text. The illustrations are pleasant and appropriate. I enjoyed it.
November 14, 2012
I read this picture book and liked it because it was very informative. The pictures were also very colorful and creative, giving the reader a good image of everything that happened to Effa. I learned a lot about how Effa Manely helped with civil rights and how she was the first woman we became inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame because of all her work on the business sides of major teams and players and also getting black players equal rights as white during that time in history. I would read this to a future class because it discusses how not all people had the same rights a long time ago and Effa made a difference.
February 28, 2017
Effa Manley was not just a successful sports executive and the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She was a person who didn't accept the status quo. Not when white-owned stores in Harlem didn't hire black employees. Not when other baseball team owners said women shouldn't be involved. Not when the Baseball Hall of Fame didn't include Negro League players among its inductees.
Vernick deftly weaves together a wide range of Effa's achievements in this well-paced picture book with pleasing illustrations by Don Tate.
One disappointment: there's no back matter with extra information about Effa or how the book came about.
Vernick deftly weaves together a wide range of Effa's achievements in this well-paced picture book with pleasing illustrations by Don Tate.
One disappointment: there's no back matter with extra information about Effa or how the book came about.
March 20, 2018
I love it when picture book biographies introduce me to great figures in history who I should know and don't. It was through this book that I first learned of Effa Manley, the ONLY woman ever inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. The book covers her young life and early activism, her career as owner and business manager of the Newark Eagles and her lifelong crusade to gain recognition for the accomplishments and history of baseball's Negro Leagues. Great illustrations and easy-to-follow text makes this one a great read-aloud for any young baseball fan and it will spark interest in Effa's life.
Featured on No Extra Words Podcast Episode 108.
Featured on No Extra Words Podcast Episode 108.
January 13, 2011
Effa Manley was not only responsible for organizing civil rights in Harlem, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Author Audrey Varick gives the reader a glimpse into the life of a remarkable, accomplished black woman. Effa cared about her team, the Brooklyn Eagles and all the players on that team. She fought for her players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame just like players in the National and American leagues. Illustrated beautifully by Don Tate, this book will be enjoyed by young children everywhere.
January 8, 2018
This is the story of Effa Manley, a civil rights activist who ran a Negro Leagues baseball team. I love that her story is being told in a picture book, and the illustrations were wonderful.
I was surprised that there wasn't any back matter (a more thorough biography or timeline, references, etc.).
I thought the first couple of pages of the book felt a little disjointed, but then the book settled in, and it felt like a consistent narrative.
There's one place in the book where the timeline seems wrong/inconsistent, but I think it's correct and just confusingly organized/phrased.
I was surprised that there wasn't any back matter (a more thorough biography or timeline, references, etc.).
I thought the first couple of pages of the book felt a little disjointed, but then the book settled in, and it felt like a consistent narrative.
There's one place in the book where the timeline seems wrong/inconsistent, but I think it's correct and just confusingly organized/phrased.
August 9, 2018
Review from my 8 year old son:
"The ending was sad because she died before she got into the hall of fame and same with the the baseball players. So she couldn't see what she fought for and that she was such a hero. But the cool part about it is that she is a leader!"
My review...a mom's review: (I would give more stars! 5 stars!)
I can't believe I never knew of Effa Manley before! This book brought me to tears at the end and it was sneaky about bringing up lots of civil rights issues. It was such an inspiring story and great non-fiction!
"The ending was sad because she died before she got into the hall of fame and same with the the baseball players. So she couldn't see what she fought for and that she was such a hero. But the cool part about it is that she is a leader!"
My review...a mom's review: (I would give more stars! 5 stars!)
I can't believe I never knew of Effa Manley before! This book brought me to tears at the end and it was sneaky about bringing up lots of civil rights issues. It was such an inspiring story and great non-fiction!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2016
This non-fiction book is a great book for inspiring children. I would say that the appropriate age for this book can be third grade through fifth grade. This book talks about a girl who loved baseball. It all started when she went to watch a pro baseball game. She never thought that she would one day be the owner of baseball team. Along with this she was also inducted along with them and this was an amazing accomplishment for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2012
What a gift to discover another strong, forward-thinking woman from the past. Effa Manley’s interest in and passion for baseball is told by Vernick in an engaging tale that serves baseball history well, names racism without being polemic, and encourages young readers to follow their own dreams. The brightly colored paintings add period details and energy.
July 28, 2013
A wonderfully written picture book about the female manager of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley. Vernick tells the unheralded story of one of the few women involved in the early days of the Negro Leagues. Don Tate's beautiful illustrations complement Vernick's prose. Highly recommended for kids who love baseball and for its portrayal of a little known woman in African American history.
December 1, 2015
This new biographical picture book about Effa Manley, the first--and only--woman inducted into the august National Baseball Hall of Fame is a terrific read for kids and adults as well. No, she was not a baseball player herself, rather she was the proud co-owner and manager of the Newark Eagles, a Negro League team, and an advocate for civil rights.
Want to Read
April 26, 2016Baseball, History, Segregation
TEKS: (19) Social studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms. The student is expected to:
(A) express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences; and
(B) create written and visual material such as stories, poems, maps, and graphic organizers to express ideas.
TEKS: (19) Social studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms. The student is expected to:
(A) express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences; and
(B) create written and visual material such as stories, poems, maps, and graphic organizers to express ideas.
March 15, 2017
Effa Manley is one inspiring woman! I'm a baseball fan, and I didn't know anything about her until reading this book. Her story is one that should definitely be shared. It was well written, engaging, and had quality illustrations. Even if you aren't a baseball fan, this book was an important read about a woman who stood up for the things she believed in and loved.
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