The Streak: How Joe DiMaggio Became America’s Hero

“It started quietly, like a conversation with Joe DiMaggio himself.” With those words, Rosenstock transports readers to the summer of 1941, when war loomed and DiMaggio set a new MLB record with a 56-game hitting streak, uniting a nation: “This was the United States of Baseball, and Joe DiMaggio was its President.” Rosen-stock builds delicious tension and emotion as the streak grows (she also devotes some space to DiMaggio’s off-the-field upbringing), and Widener is equally in his element—one can almost feel DiMaggio’s baggy Yankee pinstripes rustling as he dashes to first base after yet another hit. Substantial back matter includes stats, bibliography, and an in-depth author’s note that covers DiMaggio’s relationship with his beloved bat, “Betsy Ann,” and offers further context about “the streak” and America’s entry into WWII. A rousing and inspiring account of an athletic achievement that has yet to be bested. Ages 8–up. Author’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Mar.)