Synopses & Reviews
The first Jewish baseball hall-of-famer, Hank Greenberg battled anti-Semitism on and off the field. He was raised in New York City, the son of Romanian-Jewish immigrants, and went on to become a baseball legend. This thought-provoking biography follows him from his service during World War II, through his long career with the Detroit Tigerswhere the moniker Hammerin' Hank came to lifeand finally to his role as a baseball executive. Readers will experience the prejudice Greenberg endured, even as he made his way into the annals of baseball history: two-time American League MVP, 331 home runs, and first Jewish baseball player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Archival photos add to the appeal of this Sydney Taylor Honor Book.
Review
"A multilayered portrait." --Kirkus Reviews
Review
"An excellent choice for kids who enjoy delving into baseball history." --Booklist
Review
"Sommer skillfully places Greenberg's career in the context of the Great Depression, World War II and Jackie Robinson's pioneering efforts as the first black major leaguer." --San Fransisco Chronicle
Synopsis
Sydney Taylor Honor Book Learn all about tthe first Jewish baseball hall-of-famer, Hank Greenberg, in this thought-provoking biography for young readers.
Hank Greenberg battled anti-Semitism on and off the field. Raised in New York City, he was the son of Romanian-Jewish immigrants, served during World War II, and then had a long career as a baseball player with the Detroit Tigers--where the moniker Hammerin' Hank came to life--and later as a baseball executive. Readers will experience the prejudice Greenberg endured, even as he made his way into the annals of baseball history: two-time American League MVP, 331 home runs, and first Jewish baseball player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Archival photos add to the appeal of this Sydney Taylor Honor Book.
About the Author
Shelley Sommer is a teacher and the director of the Inly School Library in Scituate, Massachusetts Prior to that, she worked for the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. She received her master's degree in children's literature from Simmons College. After marrying a lifelong Red Sox fan in 1986, she became a proud member of Red Sox Nation and now considers herself a fan of both the Red Sox and Hank Greenberg's Detroit Tigers.