Review - Mamie on the Mound

Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues
by Leah Henderson
illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos
Date: 2020
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Mamie Peanut Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome in the segregated All-American Girls Pro Baseball League due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball for the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first female pitcher to play on a men's professional team. During the three years she pitched for the Clowns, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for other female athletes and for women everywhere.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Mamie on the Mound tells the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson and her three years in the Negro Leagues.

It's a well-written look at a trailblazer, highlighted with appealing illustrations. I can see this book having appeal to a number of audiences: those interested in sports, history, feminism, and racism in the United States will find plenty of interest here. There's a brief note at the back detailing what happened to Mamie after her time playing professional baseball, as well as a photograph of the woman herself.

There's not much to complain about here. I'm not a sports fan, but I still found Mamie's story (and her determination to follow her passion) captivating.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5