A tremendous look at the unsure and unlikely friendship of two boys who play together at night through their windows but not during the day because of expectations. They teach eachother their specialty; one baseball, one violin and both excel in both areas. This book is a wonderful example of over coming prejudice, accepting differences, true friendship, and genuine care for others. I would use this book to teach character traits, cultural issues, writing skill. The book used many great phrases (.... like the ....) and a gem to dispel prejudice-- "Ignorance comes in as many colors as talent" Grades 2-8 ( )

This book is good to read to kids because it teaches that people can overcome stereotypes. This book is about a jewish boy who people thought could not play baseball and a black boy who people thought shouldn't be playing the violin in the synagogue, but they proved people wrong and didn't care what peopl thought. ( )

Willie, an African-American, and Abe, a Jew, become friends as they look out their bedroom windows in post World War II Brooklyn, New York. They form a unique bond and bash stereotypes as Abe plays baseball and Willie gives a violin concert in the synagogue. This book was named a Notable Book by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

Hear an interview about Across the Alley with author Richard Michelson on The Book of Life podcast's May 2007 episode at www.jewishbooks.blogspot.com.