Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki and Dom Lee

Mochizuki, K. (1993). Baseball saved us (D. Lee, Illustrator). New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.

Summary: Shorty is an okay baseball player and is often made fun of because of his size. He and is family are sent to an internment came during WWII where the poor quality of life causes tensions to run high. Shorty's father has Shorty help him build a baseball field in the camps. This entertainment increases the quality of life and improves Shorty's baseball skills. Shorty is able to transfer his perseverance to the ignorant and racist society he returns to when he is freed from the camp.

Review: This is a slice of life of historical fiction about Japanese Americans during WWII. It is a story many students who like baseball can relate to. I have read a few books about this particular event (the baseball field built) so I hope it isn't an overrepresentation of what was otherwise a horrific experience for many. But hopefully, students who read this picture book will begin to ask more questions about Japanese internment during WWII.

Diversity: This picture book is about a Japanese American boy during internment in WWII. It is historical fiction and that chronicles this specific ethnic group. For the purpose of teaching history, this is a great addition. However, this isn't a "normalized" experience. I would love to see more books about Japanese Americans in their everyday life now.

Suggestions for Teachers: This picture book would be a great addition for studying history. You could also use it on a unit on perseverance. It would make a great read-aloud or mentor text.

Reading Level:

1. Quantitative: Lexile 550L, ATOS Book Level 3.9, Flesh-Kincaid 3.7, 4.83 RMM
2. Qualitative: This text is moderately complex; it is chronological. For a second or third grade book, this has a lot of text. The language is simple although there are some words like "Jap", "Camp" with a capital C and words relevant to building that may need explaining. The theme of perseverance and acceptance during difficult times is accessible. Students who have prior knowledge of WWII, Japanese Internment and baseball will be able to make more meaning with this text. The pictures really enhance the meaning of this text and are literal.

Content Areas: Literacy, History, Family, Community

Common Core State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2
Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3
Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

Relevant links: Scholastic, Teaching Books, YouTube Read Aloud, YouTube Read Aloud 2, Teacher's Guide

Subjects/Themes: family, community, acceptance, perseverance, racism

Awards: 
Best Multicultural Title - Cuffies Award

Publisher's Weekly

Choices
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Editor's Choice
San Francisco Chronicle

Not Just for Children Anymore Selection
Children's Book Council

Series Information: N/A