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The Babe & I
It's 1932 and hard times are everywhere. But life isn't all bad. America still loves baseball, and Babe Ruth is the star of the game. And two boys are about to discover that with some creativity, hard work, and a little help from the Babe himself, they can do their part to help out their own team!
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
9 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
David A. Adler
404 books205 followersDavid Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 17, 2017
I would have to give this story four stars because it really touched my heart. It talked about a real issue like the great depression and showed you what a father will do to keep their family stable. The characters were obviously fictional although it is possible this has happened before. My only criticism would be the title "The Babe and I". It really made me think Babe Ruth was going to be a bigger character in this story then he actually was. There was little Babe Ruth interaction with the main characters but it was still a great story.
April 16, 2014
It’s not often I read a picture book that gives me goosebumps, but boy howdy, this was one of those times! The Babe and I, if you will pardon the pun, just hit the spot with me. Slightly abstracted illustrations accompany the text of this frankly, rather poignant picture book about a young boy whose birthday in 1932 falls in the midst of the Great Depression. He’s disappointed with his gift (a dime, and not a bicycle), but he knows his dad is lucky to have a job.
He and his friend Jacob go off on their own, walking through the Bronx…and come across the boy’s “employed” dad, selling apples along with the rest of unemployed. It’s a tough lesson for him, but Jacob proves true blue and helps him get a job as a newsie, selling papers to crowds at Yankee Stadium, and helping his family through the times. The morals of pride in one’s work, and the value of resourcefulness, come across loud and clear in this beautiful story. Excellent for teaching children both about those qualities, and about the Great Depression.
He and his friend Jacob go off on their own, walking through the Bronx…and come across the boy’s “employed” dad, selling apples along with the rest of unemployed. It’s a tough lesson for him, but Jacob proves true blue and helps him get a job as a newsie, selling papers to crowds at Yankee Stadium, and helping his family through the times. The morals of pride in one’s work, and the value of resourcefulness, come across loud and clear in this beautiful story. Excellent for teaching children both about those qualities, and about the Great Depression.
June 5, 2012
The Babe and I takes place during The Great Depression in American History. It is a heartfelt story about the hardships families faced during that time period and how they pulled together.
This picture book can be used in first through fourth grade. It is appropriate for teaching students about job loss, baseball, The Great Depression, and working hard. It can also be used to compare and contrast American history then and now. And of course, to learn about Babe Ruth!
The pictures are beautifully illustrated as if you are talking a stroll through an art museum. Each page filled with bursts of colors!
The story touches on key issues that troubled as well as encouraged Americans in the 1930's.
This picture book can be used in first through fourth grade. It is appropriate for teaching students about job loss, baseball, The Great Depression, and working hard. It can also be used to compare and contrast American history then and now. And of course, to learn about Babe Ruth!
The pictures are beautifully illustrated as if you are talking a stroll through an art museum. Each page filled with bursts of colors!
The story touches on key issues that troubled as well as encouraged Americans in the 1930's.
December 21, 2017
The Babe and I
BY Avaneesh Muralidharan
In this period of time people give excuses to help other people. Those excuses would be like, “I have to go there or, I had to do that’’. In the story The Babe and I, by David A.Adler, people help each other no matter what. This is shown through the boy, Babe Ruth and Mrs Johnson.
In Babe and I people help each other no matter what. This is shown through the boy. For example, the boy helps the woman selling apples by giving her his birthday dime, which his father had worked very hard to earn. Even though the boy’s family had a sad secret that his dad did not have a job, and the family did not have much money, he was willing to help. In the text it is mentioned that, “I was happy to give the dime.” …This makes me think that the boy was happy to help which connects to the idea that the boy was helping. Later in the text he helps his mom. If the boy had told mom about dad and the apples he was selling, she would have felt bad and because of that she would probably start selling apples too! The boy, who I think that would have thought about it,and didn’t tell mom. This shows that he helped mom. He also helped dad in a way, if he had told mom about the apples, Mom would get mad at dad about the fact that he didn’t tell her the truth that he was selling apples and that he had a job. And because of that, they would end up getting divorced. This shows that he saved dad.
In Babe and I people help each other no matter what . This is shown through Babe Ruth. For example, one day when the boy was selling newspapers with Jacob, Babe who was heading for the baseball game,stopped and saw the boy who was selling.Realising that the boy was poor,Babe approached him. He bought a newspaper and gave the boy 5 dollars. When the boy told him that he can’t change that, he told him to keep the change!!! The boy in fact was very poor. The 5$ given by Babe Ruth to him would be 50 times big as the earning his father makes for a apple! This would have made the boy very happy and proud that he was helping his family more than his father did. This is giving me the idea that Babe Ruth is helping. Another example is what he does everyday, he plays baseball !’’ This helps people because the story occurred during the Great Depression,so when people, who have problems as heavy as the world resting on their shoulders come and watch him playing, they forget about their problems. This shows that he is helping. Another time he helped is when he was injured and was sitting on the bench watching the game when all the Yankee players were out, he came out and helped them win.
In Babe and I people help each other no matter what. This is shown through multiple secondary characters. For instance, Mrs Johnson helps the boy by giving him her baby carriage. In the text she asks 10 cents for an afternoon. That baby carriage Helped the boy earn more money while selling. In the text it says, “After I bought the ticket for me and Jacob, I still had a lot of money for the money jar”.Which would not have been possible without the carriage. Even though she is making it a business proposal, she was happy to help, which connects to the idea that Mrs Johnson is helping. Another example is Jacob. He helps the boy by taking the boy to sell newspapers to help the family along with his father. This shows that Jacob is helping. The final example is the head of the newspaper company he could have easily said that, “I can’t afford to print an other set of papers for another man, but he accepted the boy to sell the newspapers he printed this shows that he is helping.
So, we all learned that we should help others no matter what the consequences from the story. We learnt this from the boy, Babe Ruth and Mrs.Johnson. Before, I used to think that I could give an excuse for not helping others, but now, I think that I should not give any excuses.
BY Avaneesh Muralidharan
In this period of time people give excuses to help other people. Those excuses would be like, “I have to go there or, I had to do that’’. In the story The Babe and I, by David A.Adler, people help each other no matter what. This is shown through the boy, Babe Ruth and Mrs Johnson.
In Babe and I people help each other no matter what. This is shown through the boy. For example, the boy helps the woman selling apples by giving her his birthday dime, which his father had worked very hard to earn. Even though the boy’s family had a sad secret that his dad did not have a job, and the family did not have much money, he was willing to help. In the text it is mentioned that, “I was happy to give the dime.” …This makes me think that the boy was happy to help which connects to the idea that the boy was helping. Later in the text he helps his mom. If the boy had told mom about dad and the apples he was selling, she would have felt bad and because of that she would probably start selling apples too! The boy, who I think that would have thought about it,and didn’t tell mom. This shows that he helped mom. He also helped dad in a way, if he had told mom about the apples, Mom would get mad at dad about the fact that he didn’t tell her the truth that he was selling apples and that he had a job. And because of that, they would end up getting divorced. This shows that he saved dad.
In Babe and I people help each other no matter what . This is shown through Babe Ruth. For example, one day when the boy was selling newspapers with Jacob, Babe who was heading for the baseball game,stopped and saw the boy who was selling.Realising that the boy was poor,Babe approached him. He bought a newspaper and gave the boy 5 dollars. When the boy told him that he can’t change that, he told him to keep the change!!! The boy in fact was very poor. The 5$ given by Babe Ruth to him would be 50 times big as the earning his father makes for a apple! This would have made the boy very happy and proud that he was helping his family more than his father did. This is giving me the idea that Babe Ruth is helping. Another example is what he does everyday, he plays baseball !’’ This helps people because the story occurred during the Great Depression,so when people, who have problems as heavy as the world resting on their shoulders come and watch him playing, they forget about their problems. This shows that he is helping. Another time he helped is when he was injured and was sitting on the bench watching the game when all the Yankee players were out, he came out and helped them win.
In Babe and I people help each other no matter what. This is shown through multiple secondary characters. For instance, Mrs Johnson helps the boy by giving him her baby carriage. In the text she asks 10 cents for an afternoon. That baby carriage Helped the boy earn more money while selling. In the text it says, “After I bought the ticket for me and Jacob, I still had a lot of money for the money jar”.Which would not have been possible without the carriage. Even though she is making it a business proposal, she was happy to help, which connects to the idea that Mrs Johnson is helping. Another example is Jacob. He helps the boy by taking the boy to sell newspapers to help the family along with his father. This shows that Jacob is helping. The final example is the head of the newspaper company he could have easily said that, “I can’t afford to print an other set of papers for another man, but he accepted the boy to sell the newspapers he printed this shows that he is helping.
So, we all learned that we should help others no matter what the consequences from the story. We learnt this from the boy, Babe Ruth and Mrs.Johnson. Before, I used to think that I could give an excuse for not helping others, but now, I think that I should not give any excuses.
November 30, 2020
1. Awards the book has received (if any): Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text (2000)
2. Appropriate grade level(s): K-3
3. Original 3-line summary: A young boy, in a family that is in need of some extra money, goes out to work selling newspapers at Yankee Stadium with his friend. He sells many newspapers by yelling about the updates on famous baseball player, Babe Ruth. He makes money to give to his parents, and especially help out his father, who is struggling at his job. One day, he sells a newspaper to Babe Ruth himself, who gives him extra money to watch the baseball game. The young boy feels like he is on the same team as Babe Ruth and his father, working towards the goal to support his family.
4. Original 3-line review: This book is touching as just a young boy helps his family make some more money. He sets an example to not be selfish, and to do for others. These good actions sent good things his way, as he was able to meet Babe Ruth. I think this story can inspire students to always ask if the people around them need help with anything and to be selfless.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses: I think this book can be fun to read to a class really anytime. It can lead to a discussion about teamwork and push the students to work together. The students can also share when they helped their parents out with something, which would promote selflessness and a good positive discussion.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): K-3
3. Original 3-line summary: A young boy, in a family that is in need of some extra money, goes out to work selling newspapers at Yankee Stadium with his friend. He sells many newspapers by yelling about the updates on famous baseball player, Babe Ruth. He makes money to give to his parents, and especially help out his father, who is struggling at his job. One day, he sells a newspaper to Babe Ruth himself, who gives him extra money to watch the baseball game. The young boy feels like he is on the same team as Babe Ruth and his father, working towards the goal to support his family.
4. Original 3-line review: This book is touching as just a young boy helps his family make some more money. He sets an example to not be selfish, and to do for others. These good actions sent good things his way, as he was able to meet Babe Ruth. I think this story can inspire students to always ask if the people around them need help with anything and to be selfless.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses: I think this book can be fun to read to a class really anytime. It can lead to a discussion about teamwork and push the students to work together. The students can also share when they helped their parents out with something, which would promote selflessness and a good positive discussion.
November 6, 2017
1) no awards
2) appropriate grade levels - 2nd-3rd grade
3) Summary - The story of a young boy living in the Bronx, during the great depression who discovers the real struggles of his family. He helps his friend sell newspapers, and together they help contribute money to their families. He ends up selling to a very famous baseball player!
4) Review - I love that this book is set in the past, but has illustrations that are colorful and not too outdated. I also think that although it is speaking about important history, it is a good story that will capture a child's attention, especially students who are interested in baseball. I also feel like this book could definitely be used in upper elementary classrooms as well.
5) A teacher can use this book to discuss the great depression and explain that many children had to help their families out during the rough times. They could also use this book to set up a few different writing activities. One could be to think about a time when you were part of a team, possibly a sports team, or maybe just doing something to help a friend out, much like the characters in the story. Another writing activity to go along with this story, would be to ask students to write about how they would feel if a famous person bought something from them.
2) appropriate grade levels - 2nd-3rd grade
3) Summary - The story of a young boy living in the Bronx, during the great depression who discovers the real struggles of his family. He helps his friend sell newspapers, and together they help contribute money to their families. He ends up selling to a very famous baseball player!
4) Review - I love that this book is set in the past, but has illustrations that are colorful and not too outdated. I also think that although it is speaking about important history, it is a good story that will capture a child's attention, especially students who are interested in baseball. I also feel like this book could definitely be used in upper elementary classrooms as well.
5) A teacher can use this book to discuss the great depression and explain that many children had to help their families out during the rough times. They could also use this book to set up a few different writing activities. One could be to think about a time when you were part of a team, possibly a sports team, or maybe just doing something to help a friend out, much like the characters in the story. Another writing activity to go along with this story, would be to ask students to write about how they would feel if a famous person bought something from them.
July 1, 2017
An entitled kid is mad he only gets ten cents for his birthday during the Great Depression only to find out his father is essentially jobless and selling apples on the street. The kid quickly learns he should help out, so he joins his friend in selling newspapers. News of Babe Ruth's successes and falls helps newspaper sales and, when he's off from the game due to injury, Ruth purchases a paper from the kid which enables the kid and his friend to buy tickets to the baseball game.
The prose of this book isn't terribly engaging. While the final page sums up the morals neatly, it does so in a monotonous way. The Red Sox are mentioned as an opposing team in the game which the kid goes to see, but Ruth's connection with the Sox is completely left out (how? this life-long Sox fan asks). I wasn't a fan of the illustration style, either, which mimicked a flat, paper-cut-out style. This might be an okay stand-in for a baseball-themed storytime for third grade and up, but not one I'd go out of my way to read.
The prose of this book isn't terribly engaging. While the final page sums up the morals neatly, it does so in a monotonous way. The Red Sox are mentioned as an opposing team in the game which the kid goes to see, but Ruth's connection with the Sox is completely left out (how? this life-long Sox fan asks). I wasn't a fan of the illustration style, either, which mimicked a flat, paper-cut-out style. This might be an okay stand-in for a baseball-themed storytime for third grade and up, but not one I'd go out of my way to read.
June 9, 2019
This was an interesting story. Set in 1932 in the middle of the Great Depression, the boy is upset because all he received was a dime for his birthday. He and his friend spend the dime on two apples. It is then that the boy sees his father also selling apples. Selling apples is what people did to get a little money until a job could be had.
The father lost his job. That is why he was selling apples. He had not told his family. The boy vowed not to disclose this. At this point, his father didn't know his son knew his secret.
The friend taught the boy how to sell newspapers. This is very much like the Newsies show that Beetle and I have seen recently. The boy is taught not to call out about the day's disaster, but rather re-position over near Yankee Stadium and call out the latest Babe Ruth news. The boy sells his newspapers.
One day Babe Ruth himself purchases a paper for $5! The boys go into the game with that money. The boy vows to keep his father's secret.
The father lost his job. That is why he was selling apples. He had not told his family. The boy vowed not to disclose this. At this point, his father didn't know his son knew his secret.
The friend taught the boy how to sell newspapers. This is very much like the Newsies show that Beetle and I have seen recently. The boy is taught not to call out about the day's disaster, but rather re-position over near Yankee Stadium and call out the latest Babe Ruth news. The boy sells his newspapers.
One day Babe Ruth himself purchases a paper for $5! The boys go into the game with that money. The boy vows to keep his father's secret.
November 28, 2021
The story, "The Babe and I" takes place in 1932- the Great Depression. This story depicts the events of the depression with an undertone of playfulness, humor and adventure. Babe Ruth is the main scene in this book as he is the central figure of the storytelling.
There's a part of this story where the mother tells the daughter not to make an issue out of adding money (from selling newspapers) to the family savings jar, as it may embarrass her dad. This situation caused me to think this was probably the case in many families- where kids were making money to help support families.
I gave this story 4 stars because of the wonderful illustrations, the historical teachings of Babe Ruth and the Great Depression. In addition, the story was interesting and engaging, as the reader ends up falling in love with this family who truly looks out for one another during this very hard time.
There's a part of this story where the mother tells the daughter not to make an issue out of adding money (from selling newspapers) to the family savings jar, as it may embarrass her dad. This situation caused me to think this was probably the case in many families- where kids were making money to help support families.
I gave this story 4 stars because of the wonderful illustrations, the historical teachings of Babe Ruth and the Great Depression. In addition, the story was interesting and engaging, as the reader ends up falling in love with this family who truly looks out for one another during this very hard time.
April 16, 2022
The author did a great job balancing the seriousness of the hard times of the Great Depression with the hope of something better. The main character discovers his father selling apples on a street corner, instead of going to work like his father told him he was doing when he left in the morning with his suit and briefcase. The main character was devastated his father was ashamed to tell the family he didn't have a job. The boys friend asked him to sell newspapers with him by the Yankee Stadium, explaining he was helping his family out. Selling newspapers would get him his pool of earnings with the family's money. The ending is heartwarming and encouraging, It is an interesting book about the depression but it has very little information about Babe Ruth! which you would expect with his name in the title.
June 26, 2023
What a tale of creativity, set during America's Great Depression!
Superb storytelling grabs my attention and won't let go until I get to the end. Poignant writing without sentimentality -- that's part of David A. Adler's skill set. For instance:
On Monday the front-page story was about a nineteen-year-old boy who had robbed a telegraph office because he wanted to be arested. He knew he would get something to eat in jail.
Poignant and POWERFUL. Beautifully put, this story by Mr. Adler, and it was magnificently illustrated too. Never before had I seen such memorable images of adults in a child's picture book. That's Terry Widener's style, unforgettable!
FIVE STARS, FIVE STARS, read all about it!
Superb storytelling grabs my attention and won't let go until I get to the end. Poignant writing without sentimentality -- that's part of David A. Adler's skill set. For instance:
On Monday the front-page story was about a nineteen-year-old boy who had robbed a telegraph office because he wanted to be arested. He knew he would get something to eat in jail.
Poignant and POWERFUL. Beautifully put, this story by Mr. Adler, and it was magnificently illustrated too. Never before had I seen such memorable images of adults in a child's picture book. That's Terry Widener's style, unforgettable!
FIVE STARS, FIVE STARS, read all about it!
November 10, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: K-3
This book was a great historical fiction one. I haven’t read many about the Great Depression and this book really showed the life of a normal kid having normal struggles of that time. It was interesting how he mentioned selling apples, the value of a dime, how scarce food and money were, selling newspaper, and Babe Ruth. These are topics that are very different from today, so this would be a great book to compare and contrast different time periods.
Grade Level: K-3
This book was a great historical fiction one. I haven’t read many about the Great Depression and this book really showed the life of a normal kid having normal struggles of that time. It was interesting how he mentioned selling apples, the value of a dime, how scarce food and money were, selling newspaper, and Babe Ruth. These are topics that are very different from today, so this would be a great book to compare and contrast different time periods.
March 17, 2018
This was a surprisingly touching book. The story is deep enough to express the desperation of The Great Depression, and light enough to still feel engaging for a young reader.
The illustrations remind me of Thomas Hart Benton, which fits the period of the story.
I think my students will love this book!
The illustrations remind me of Thomas Hart Benton, which fits the period of the story.
I think my students will love this book!
June 21, 2019
This one really captured my heart and is likely to do so with otgers. This is a delightful piece of work that covers family, baseball, and the challenges of the great depression and does so deftly.
The illustrations flow and add to the story. You feel like you could step into the story and that is a good thing.
A solid and undeniable home run in childrens literature.
The illustrations flow and add to the story. You feel like you could step into the story and that is a good thing.
A solid and undeniable home run in childrens literature.
April 21, 2019
This is a fun read, while also telling a tale that is true to the history behind it. This would be a good book to use while covering the Great Depression in a first or second grade classroom, as well as a way to set fine examples of work ethic, and contributing to the family.
January 2, 2018
An enjoyable story about the Depression and baseball and family. Not the economics lesson I was truly looking for, although there is money involved.
April 22, 2018
Great Depression
April 21, 2025
great resource for teaching about great depression, and income inequality.
January 25, 2010
Summary: The Babe and I is a children’s book about a young boy, who is helping his family make ends meet during the Great Depression by selling newspapers. The boy was successful in selling the newspapers by stressing to the city’s people that the newpaper he was selling contained articles that focused on Babe Ruth, who was part of the 1932 Yankees and grew to become the greatest baseball player of all time. During one of his typical workdays, he sold a newspaper to Babe Ruth himself and spends his earnings on two tickets for a Yankee’s baseball game. Although the book shows Babe’s impact on the sport of baseball and its fans, the book also gives its reader a glimpse into an average family’s struggle during the Great Depression. This particular book is an enjoyable read for both genders and of persons of any age!
Written by: David Adler
Illustrated by: Terry Widener
Audience: 2nd-4th grade
Genre: historical fiction picture book
Social Issue: The Great Depression and its effects during the 1930s.
Illustrations: Terry Widener’s use of acrylics to create his artwork in this particular story bring its characters and setting to life. A style of art that children of all ages will find appealing.
Usage: This particular book can be used in a variety of setting in the classroom including independent reading, guided reading, and reading out loud. I would especially use this book as a read out loud while studying the Great Depression.
Awards: A Golden Kite Honor Book, A Jefferson Cup Honor Book, ABA's Pick of the Lists , An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies , A Snithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children, and A Working Mother Magazine Best Book
Written by: David Adler
Illustrated by: Terry Widener
Audience: 2nd-4th grade
Genre: historical fiction picture book
Social Issue: The Great Depression and its effects during the 1930s.
Illustrations: Terry Widener’s use of acrylics to create his artwork in this particular story bring its characters and setting to life. A style of art that children of all ages will find appealing.
Usage: This particular book can be used in a variety of setting in the classroom including independent reading, guided reading, and reading out loud. I would especially use this book as a read out loud while studying the Great Depression.
Awards: A Golden Kite Honor Book, A Jefferson Cup Honor Book, ABA's Pick of the Lists , An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies , A Snithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children, and A Working Mother Magazine Best Book
October 20, 2014
Summary: This book was about a boy who realized that his dad didn’t have a very supportable or real job. One day when he was with his friend, he saw his dad selling apples on the street and no one was buying them. So he and his friend Jacob decided to sell newspapers. They shouted about Babe Ruth hitting a home run, being out of the game for 3 weeks, etc. People bought them and sure enough, one day Babe Ruth himself bought one. They had collected enough money to go to the game and see him play again. His dad ended up finding out about him selling newspapers to try and get more money for their family and was very proud of him, but disappointed in himself that he couldn’t provide for his family.
Analysis: After reading this book, I have realized that the plot is just a straight-line plot. They go through ups and downs and trials but then there’s a resolution at the end. The characters are very strong and vivid and they make their point and purpose very clear. The main character is a very strong character and show characteristics of bravery and strength when he goes out and sells the newspapers to help his family. The illustrations are mostly squares of half pages and the squares represent stability, honesty, and conformity, which are key components of the story as well. The main character tries to create stability financially for the family and that shows his strength as well. Overall, the message and theme behind this book was that helping your family and stepping up for what you think is right, is beneficial in the long run. And sometimes, it leaves you with a little reward at the end, just like the main character experienced.
Analysis: After reading this book, I have realized that the plot is just a straight-line plot. They go through ups and downs and trials but then there’s a resolution at the end. The characters are very strong and vivid and they make their point and purpose very clear. The main character is a very strong character and show characteristics of bravery and strength when he goes out and sells the newspapers to help his family. The illustrations are mostly squares of half pages and the squares represent stability, honesty, and conformity, which are key components of the story as well. The main character tries to create stability financially for the family and that shows his strength as well. Overall, the message and theme behind this book was that helping your family and stepping up for what you think is right, is beneficial in the long run. And sometimes, it leaves you with a little reward at the end, just like the main character experienced.
April 13, 2014
The Babe and I is a nostalgic tale set during the Depression era in the Bronx of New York when everyone was poor. Jobs were scarce and money was hard to come by, but at least there was still baseball. In this book, Adler pitches us a heartwarming story about a boy who learns the importance of teamwork when he finds out that his father is secretly unemployed and becomes a newsie who sells papers at Yankee Stadium to help earn money for his family.
The illustrations were created by Terry Widener with golden acrylics on Strathmore Bristol board. They are rich with earth-toned colors that beautifully saturate this endearing story.
I LOVED this book! I felt that it is a unique addition to books dealing with the historical times of the Great Depression. While the main focus of the story is on America’s love of baseball and Babe Ruth, it does include some events taken from news headlines reported from July 14 through July 22, 1932 such as the Coney Island fire and the telegraph office robbery. I think the author does a great job of introducing young readers to the hard times many families faced during the 1930s. This book is also a great introduction to Babe Ruth. As a teacher, I would recommend this book to students ages 7-10 and include this book in a Social Studies unit on the Great Depression to supplement the textbook. As an extension activity, I would have students compare and contrast life then with now.
The illustrations were created by Terry Widener with golden acrylics on Strathmore Bristol board. They are rich with earth-toned colors that beautifully saturate this endearing story.
I LOVED this book! I felt that it is a unique addition to books dealing with the historical times of the Great Depression. While the main focus of the story is on America’s love of baseball and Babe Ruth, it does include some events taken from news headlines reported from July 14 through July 22, 1932 such as the Coney Island fire and the telegraph office robbery. I think the author does a great job of introducing young readers to the hard times many families faced during the 1930s. This book is also a great introduction to Babe Ruth. As a teacher, I would recommend this book to students ages 7-10 and include this book in a Social Studies unit on the Great Depression to supplement the textbook. As an extension activity, I would have students compare and contrast life then with now.
April 13, 2011
This book was a very pleasant surprise. I think it was intended to be a historical fiction book for younger children, but I feel it is most appropriate for children in grades 2nd-5th grade. This book touches on the issues that many families went through during the time of the Great Depression. This actually was a beautifully told story of hard work, family and resilience told through the eyes of a young boy. The story brought tears to my eyes. My son who is five didn't quite understand the Depression and wasn't sure about who Babe Ruth was. This didn't make the impression on him that I had hoped, but we will revisit this book when he is older. This would be a wonderful book to include in school because you could tie in literacy with a social studies lesson. The colors used were bright and bold and the illustrations showed a lot of energy and hope. I really enjoyed this book. David Adler has written many wonderful books, but this is my favorite. I was expecting a book all about Babe Ruth, but I got something more: a book that incorporated a history lesson, lessons about family, friendship and resilience.
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April 3, 2010This book is great story that sheds light on the hardships many faced during the Great Depression, but still has a very positive message. The story is about a young boy during the depression, and several of his experiences. First, it is his birthday, and he receives a dime from his father, who he says is one of the lucky ones because he still has a job. Later, while outside playing with a friend, he buys 2 apples from an unemployed man selling them on the street with his dime. As they continue to walk, he comes to a corner where he sees his father also selling apples, not at the office like he always claims to be. The boy decides he wants to help his family out so he starts selling newspapers outside of Yankee Stadium to make more money. During this time, the boy makes money, has a heart to heart with his father about his unemployment, and meets Babe Ruth without even realizing it until after he'd walked away! This is a positive book about a negative time in our history, and much can be taken from it, whether it be historical fact of lessons to live by.
February 29, 2012
This was a good book to use for children in grades two through four. It depicts what life was like during the "Great Depression" and how one family made it through this unruly time. The main character of this story helps out his family by selling newspapers in the Bronx. Instead of using the front page headlines he uses the sports section which features Babe Ruth. This attracts many people and they buy his newspapers. This little business helps bring his family some extra money in this time of need. The book does a good job of talking about historical events without making the book boring for young readers. It talks about specific events of the time period and gives the kids who read it a good impression on what it was like to live in the "Great Depression".
I would recommend this book highly for a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade class. It would be a good story to read if you wanted to introduce the "Great Depression". The kids could also use this book to relate their lives to the life of this young boy. The students could talk about how they would handle the same situation.
I would recommend this book highly for a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade class. It would be a good story to read if you wanted to introduce the "Great Depression". The kids could also use this book to relate their lives to the life of this young boy. The students could talk about how they would handle the same situation.
November 4, 2008
"By helping his family make ends meat during the Great depression by selling newspapers, a boy meets Babe Ruth."
I really enjoyed this story about a boy who helped his family during a difficult time in history. The author did a wonderful job of explaining the living conditions of that time through the eyes of a young boy. The illustrations clearly showed the emotions of the characters and brought them to life. It also touched me when I saw all of the apple stands and how many people had lost their jobs. I was able to understand this by looking at the illustration first and then later it was confirmed by the text. This is a perfect example of how illustrations can enhance the reading. This story teaches children a valuable lesson about pitching in and doing your part to help your family. Children could have small group or large class discussion on what they do to help their families.
I really enjoyed this story about a boy who helped his family during a difficult time in history. The author did a wonderful job of explaining the living conditions of that time through the eyes of a young boy. The illustrations clearly showed the emotions of the characters and brought them to life. It also touched me when I saw all of the apple stands and how many people had lost their jobs. I was able to understand this by looking at the illustration first and then later it was confirmed by the text. This is a perfect example of how illustrations can enhance the reading. This story teaches children a valuable lesson about pitching in and doing your part to help your family. Children could have small group or large class discussion on what they do to help their families.
March 2, 2011
This book was written in the perspective of a little boy who realizes that his father had lost his job in the depression. The boy does what he can to help add money to the families money jar. Not only is it a nice story about responsibility, but it is a great book to help current students understand a little more about what the depression era was like in the United States. The illustrations take a slight cartoon view of an urban New York area, but all the while show historicl detail like older cars and clothing. The main character becomes a newsie and realizes he can sell more papers by yelling out the Babe Ruth headlines. To me, this shows so much about the time period and dedication people had towards their hero The Babe.
This book could be a great model for students who are writing historical fiction writing pieces. The seamless way David Adler brings in historical detail is awesome.
This book could be a great model for students who are writing historical fiction writing pieces. The seamless way David Adler brings in historical detail is awesome.
October 11, 2011
A young boy discovers that his dad is jobless and is selling apples to help support the family. Knowing and keeping his Dad’s secret he decides to help out the family by becoming a “newsie”. The story is set during the time of the Great Depression. Luckily, the young boy’s friend Jacob knows that they can sell more papers in front of Yankee Stadium and they venture out every day and use the latest news of the Babe to sell papers. The boy’s good intentions are rewarded at the end of the story. Read the book to see how.
This book was a beautiful written story with excellent illustrations. Given that we are living in hard economic times, educators can use this book to cover topics such as family and economic struggles. This book can also be paired with an informational book to teach about the Great Depression or to introduce a biography study on Babe Ruth. The possibilities are countless.
This book was a beautiful written story with excellent illustrations. Given that we are living in hard economic times, educators can use this book to cover topics such as family and economic struggles. This book can also be paired with an informational book to teach about the Great Depression or to introduce a biography study on Babe Ruth. The possibilities are countless.
September 30, 2008
Summary: A young boy finds out that his father is unemployed during the Great Depression. In order to help out, the boy begins to sell newspapers at Yankee Stadium by announcing Babe Ruth's headlines. One day, while he is selling papers, the boy sold a newspaper to the Babe himself for five dollars. The boy realizes that Babe Ruth and he are on a team to sell papers while the boy and his dad are on a team to support their family.
Uses: read-aloud in the primary grades, independent reading for early or early-transitional readers, recommend to students who like baseball or Babe Ruth.
Literary Devices:
Social issues: poverty, the struggles during the Great Depression, family
Other: This text is a fictional picture book but it has a lot of great factual information about the Great Depression and baseball, specially Babe Ruth and the Yankees.
Uses: read-aloud in the primary grades, independent reading for early or early-transitional readers, recommend to students who like baseball or Babe Ruth.
Literary Devices:
Social issues: poverty, the struggles during the Great Depression, family
Other: This text is a fictional picture book but it has a lot of great factual information about the Great Depression and baseball, specially Babe Ruth and the Yankees.
October 12, 2008
While helping his family make ends meet by selling newspapers during the Great Depression , a boy meets Babe Ruth.
Lower Grades K-3
Topic - Subtopic: Award Winners-Golden Kite Award/Honor Book; Award Winners-State Award; Award Winners-Smithsonian's Notable Book; Award Winners-ABA Kids' Pick of the Lists; Award Winners-Jefferson Cup Award/Honor; Community Life-Money; Family Life-Fathers; Family Life-Job Loss; Family Life-Money Crisis; Family Life-Sons; History-Depression Era America; Recommended Reading-Junior Library Guild Selection; Recommended Reading-California Recommended Lit., English, K-2; Recommended Reading-Children's Literature Choice; Recommended Reading-NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies; Sports/Recreation-Baseball;
Lower Grades K-3
Topic - Subtopic: Award Winners-Golden Kite Award/Honor Book; Award Winners-State Award; Award Winners-Smithsonian's Notable Book; Award Winners-ABA Kids' Pick of the Lists; Award Winners-Jefferson Cup Award/Honor; Community Life-Money; Family Life-Fathers; Family Life-Job Loss; Family Life-Money Crisis; Family Life-Sons; History-Depression Era America; Recommended Reading-Junior Library Guild Selection; Recommended Reading-California Recommended Lit., English, K-2; Recommended Reading-Children's Literature Choice; Recommended Reading-NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies; Sports/Recreation-Baseball;
February 2, 2016
The Babel and I is such a great book both text and illustration wise. The book takes place during the great depression in America. Times were tough on families and finding good paying jobs was tougher. The young boy finds out his father sells apples on the streets for a living and decides to help out by selling newspapers with his friend Jacob. One day he sells a newspaper to the one and only Babe Ruth. The boy later realizes that him and his father needed each other to prosper. The theme of this book is staying strong even through tough times. I personally enjoyed the artwork within the book. It depicts the Era of 1932 quite well with the clothing the characters wear and to how the Bronx looked. I recommend this book because it proves that a strong family can conquer anything.
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