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The Kid From Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton

The Kid From Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Frequently considered a man's game, baseball has long had a history of female players. This biography of Edith Houghton tells the story of a strong minded and uniquely skilled ten year old who played professional baseball as early as 1922. Raised in a large family among many boys, Edith learned and loved the game leading her into a lifelong passion and career in the great American pastime. She is a role model for girls who want to achieve their personal goals and develop skills that seem unusual or abnormal for women.

The art work is lovely, Salerno's attention to minute detail is impressive. Several two page spreads flow across giving the appearance of a single sheet illustration. Colors are both subtle and inspired as they depict various locations in the US and Japan. All girls should have access to this biography, teachers and librarians will want to make it available to their K-3 readers. That said, boys are equally encouraged to give this title a look.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent