New Picture Book Highlights African American History and the Injustice of Segregated Baseball

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio—written by Robert Skead, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, and published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group—takes readers back to 1936 when the New York Yankees wanted to test a hot prospect named Joe DiMaggio to see if he was ready for the big leagues. They knew just the ballplayer to put Joe to the test—Satchel Paige, the best pitcher anywhere, black or white.

For the game, Paige joined a group of amateur African American players, and they faced off against a team of white major leaguers plus young DiMaggio. The odds were stacked against the less-experienced black team. But Paige's skillful batting and amazing pitching—with his "trouble ball" and "bat dodger"— kept the game close.

With stunning illustrations from Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and an exciting and historical narrative, Something to Prove will captivate readers. Will the rookie DiMaggio prove himself as a major league player? Or will Paige once again prove his greatness—and the inequality of segregated baseball?

Visit www.lernerbooks.com for free downloads.

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About the Author
Robert Skead is the author of several books for young readers, but Something to Prove is his first picture book. Skead has been a Yankees fan since he could swing a bat, and his love for the game deepened as he researched this story and learned more about Satchel Paige, barnstorming baseball games, and earning respect. Visit Rob online at www.robertskead.com.

About the Illustrator
Floyd Cooper received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations for The Blacker the Berry and won CSK honors for Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea and I Have Heard of a Land. He has illustrated numerous books, including Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Ramsey. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Cooper now lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two sons.

About the Publisher
Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, creates high-quality fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults. For more information, visit www.lernerbooks.com or call 800-328-4929.

PUBLICATION DATE:
April 2013
$16.95 Hardcover, Jacketed
$12.95 eBook
Ages 7-11
HC: 978-0-7613-6619-5
EB: 978-1-4677-0954-5
32 Pages ● 9 ¼ x 11

To Purchase: Visit your local bookstore , order by phone at 800-328-4929, or visit us online at www.lernerbooks.com.

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