Hammerin' Hank: The Life of Hank Greenberg
Grade 2-5-A stirring picture-book biography. Greenberg's Hall of Fame career was marked by triumphant firsts, though his ascent to stardom was achieved through struggle and perseverance. Throughout, he faced an awkward and, at times, thorny clash of cultures. His Orthodox Jewish parents felt baseball was a waste of time and hoped he'd pursue a respectable career. His prominence as the greatest Jewish player of his day made him a target of anti-Semitism both on and off the field. Late in his career, he met Jackie Robinson and offered the black player encouragement. McDonough offers a flattering treatment, amply documented in fact and complemented by gouache illustrations. Zeldis's portrayal of Greenberg, who at 13 stood six foot, three inches tall, towering above his schoolyard peers, perfectly conveys his gawky discomfiture. Text and art draw out humanizing details and lend perspective to Greenberg's achievements. This delightful collaboration will captivate baseball fans and charm newcomers.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.