Stars in the Shadows: The Negro League All-Star Game of 1934

Writing in snappy rhymed couplets, Smith delivers a play-by-play, inning-by-inning account of the second annual East-West Classic, held in Chicago in 1934, an all-star face-off between the best players from the Negro League. Smith provides a remarkable amount of detail about the game while keeping the action moving and his rhymes tight: “The pitcher kicks up a leg and then lets fly/ strike one down the pip, a fastball letter-high.” Diversions from the game come in the form of extended commentary from fans in attendance, as well as commercial breaks (“If your tongue has a taste/ for food from the South,/ Sweet Amelia’s Soul Cuisine/ has treats for your mouth”). Working in graphite, Morrison contributes full-bleed and spot illustrations of dynamic, athletic players in motion. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)