Book Cover
Image retrieved from https://bibliolinks.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/brothers-at-bat-by-audrey-vernick-illustrated-by-steven-salerno/
Book Summary
The setting of the book is in the 1930s where it was a norm for families to have a lot of children. The Acerra family had 16 children and 12 of them played baseball. The Acerras became the all-brother baseball team that played the longest in history. Not only did the Acerras love to play baseball, they also loved being on a team with each other. They supported each other and cared for each other. One of the Acerras lost an eye playing baseball and he continued playing baseball after his recovery. T.he Acerra team had to stop playing because 6 brothers decided to fight for their country in WWII. After the war, the Acerra team continued playing in leagues. The Acerras were recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Reference
Vernick, Audrey. (2012). Brothers at bat: The true story of an amazing all-brother baseball team,
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Librarian's Corner
Since I'm a baseball kind of gal, I was very excited when I saw this title on the reading list. I was amazed at the story. Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team by Audrey Vernick shows brotherly love during a difficult time in history. It also shows the dedication and perseverance from the Acerra brothers toward something they all loved. The vintage-style illustrations and the heart-touching story are a perfect fit. I also enjoyed the author's notes at the end of the book on the background of the story. Since my school is an IB (International Baccalaureate) school, having books that cover the IB learner profile in the library is important. Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brothers Baseball Team by Audrey Vernick is an asset to any library. The book goes along with a couple attributes emphasized in the IB program.
Reviews
From Booklist
Starred Review* In a 1930s New Jersey town, one family liked baseball so much that they made their own team. It wasn't that difficult. The Acerras had 16 children 12 of them boys. For 22 years straight, an Acerra played baseball in the local high school. In 1938, the oldest nine formed their own semipro team. With an age range of more than 20 years among the boys, there was always another Acerra coming up. Vernick, who interviewed the surviving members of the family, incorporates their remembrances into this very special exhibition of family loyalty and love of sports. The narrative takes them through their time on the field, the dissolution of the team when six of the guys went off to WWII (and all came home safely), and a team resurgence after the war. With plenty of highs (winning seasons) and a couple of lows (one brother lost an eye when a bunt went bad), the story rolls along easily. Best of all, though, is Salerno's fantastic art. Using a retro style that combines the look of 1950s TV advertising (think Speedy Alka Seltzer) and the exuberance of comic-book art, Salerno's pictures brim with vitality. The author's and illustrator's endnotes provide interesting context for this story of brotherly and baseball love. Grades 1-3.
Starred Review* In a 1930s New Jersey town, one family liked baseball so much that they made their own team. It wasn't that difficult. The Acerras had 16 children 12 of them boys. For 22 years straight, an Acerra played baseball in the local high school. In 1938, the oldest nine formed their own semipro team. With an age range of more than 20 years among the boys, there was always another Acerra coming up. Vernick, who interviewed the surviving members of the family, incorporates their remembrances into this very special exhibition of family loyalty and love of sports. The narrative takes them through their time on the field, the dissolution of the team when six of the guys went off to WWII (and all came home safely), and a team resurgence after the war. With plenty of highs (winning seasons) and a couple of lows (one brother lost an eye when a bunt went bad), the story rolls along easily. Best of all, though, is Salerno's fantastic art. Using a retro style that combines the look of 1950s TV advertising (think Speedy Alka Seltzer) and the exuberance of comic-book art, Salerno's pictures brim with vitality. The author's and illustrator's endnotes provide interesting context for this story of brotherly and baseball love. Grades 1-3.
Cooper, Ilene. (April 2012). [Review of the book Brothers at Bat, by Audrey Vernick]. Booklist, 108(16).
From Kirkus
At a time when local baseball was part of the American landscape, one family fielded its own team. The Acerra family numbered 16 children, 12 of whom were brothers who all loved to play baseball. The boys played in high school and later formed their own semi-pro team. They played wherever they could get a good game and were known as highly skilled players and crowd pleasers. They shared a special closeness and loyalty, joking and teasing, but always looking out for one another. That loyalty extended to a love of country as six of them fought in World War II, which was the first time they had been separated. After the war they continued to play in local leagues, with younger brothers taking over when big brothers aged out. In 1997 they were recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame as the all-time longest playing all-brother team. Employing descriptive, conversational language in a matter-of-fact tone that doesn't sentimentalize, Vernick tells of a remarkable family, part of what has come to be known as "the greatest generation." Salerno's lively drawings, rendered in black crayon, gouache, watercolor and pastel with digital color added, complement the action, striking a balance between detail and expansiveness. A family's love and devotion to each other and to the game of baseball, depicted lovingly. (author's note; artist's note) 2012, Clarion, 40 pp., $16.99. Category: Picture book/biography. Ages 5 to 10. © 2012 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Kirkus. (February 2012). [Review of the book Brothers at Bat, by Audrey Vernick]. Kirkus Reviews, 80(3).
Value to the Library
Elementary School Library
The school librarian can have this book to be a part of a display of books that teach character education. The librarian can also read aloud this book during the time of the world series to celebrate baseball. The librarian can have a discussion with the students about their favorite sport and the students can share their experience if they play on a team.
Elementary School Library
The school librarian can have this book to be a part of a display of books that teach character education. The librarian can also read aloud this book during the time of the world series to celebrate baseball. The librarian can have a discussion with the students about their favorite sport and the students can share their experience if they play on a team.
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