A review by tashrow
All Star!: Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever by Jane Yolen, Jim Burke
This is the story behind the most valuable baseball card in the world. Honus Wagner was born to a poor coal mining family and began working in the mines himself at age 12. He had Sundays off and would play baseball after church. He was strong from working in the mines, very fast despite his bowed legs, and could snag balls with his long arms. At 16, Horus joined the semipros. His brother was already playing professional ball. As his career progressed, he became one of the most unforgettable players in history. But even that is not what made his baseball card so valuable. You will just have to read the book to find that out!
Yolen uses beautiful, evocative language in her verses. At the same time, her verse reads in a frank, honest way. The language is not flowery, but lends depth to the book as a whole. Burke’s illustrations are done in oil on board. He has captured the time period with grace and style. His paintings often show unique perspectives that make the book very interesting visually.
The book touches on many issues, including child labor in the coal mines and the power and importance of sports. Yolen is especially fine when speaking about the power of sports. This is a fine book about a legend in baseball but it offers more appeal and interest than that thanks to its fine execution.
A book for baseball fans, certainly, but others will enjoy the story of a legend too. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Reviewed from copy received from Philomel.
Yolen uses beautiful, evocative language in her verses. At the same time, her verse reads in a frank, honest way. The language is not flowery, but lends depth to the book as a whole. Burke’s illustrations are done in oil on board. He has captured the time period with grace and style. His paintings often show unique perspectives that make the book very interesting visually.
The book touches on many issues, including child labor in the coal mines and the power and importance of sports. Yolen is especially fine when speaking about the power of sports. This is a fine book about a legend in baseball but it offers more appeal and interest than that thanks to its fine execution.
A book for baseball fans, certainly, but others will enjoy the story of a legend too. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Reviewed from copy received from Philomel.