Book Description
for Mamie on the Mound by Leah Henderson and George Doutsiopoulos
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
African American Mamie Johnson was just six years old when her uncle started to teach her about baseball and she soon proved to be a natural pitcher. Her talents were so remarkable that, as a child, she won a spot on the roster of an all-white boys' team, helping them win two division championships. Though she was able to break the color and gender barrier as a child, Mamie was not even allowed to try out for the segregated All American Girls Professional Baseball League when she graduated from high school, despite her talent. In 1953 she was drafted by the Indianapolis Clowns, making her one of the few women to play in the Negro Leagues, and her small stature earned her the nickname "Peanut." This well researched picture-book biography brings to life a little-known athlete who deserves much more attention and fame. (Ages 6-10)
CCBC Choices 2021. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2021. Used with permission.