Let Them Play

'Let Them Play' is the true story about an all African American little league team formed in South Carolina during the Jim Crow era of 'Separate but equal' in 1955. The fourteen boys who signed up to play baseball quickly found out the white little league teams would not play against them and even formed a new baseball league. In fact, adult prejudice spread to eleven other segregated southern states who were encouraged to form similar all-white leagues. Since they were the only team left in their league, they won by default and the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania would not allow them to play because they never got to perform one game.
The boys made the 745-mile journey to the World Series and were allowed to practice during show more the warm-up period before the games began. The crowd of five thousand began to chant "LET THEM PLAY!" but of course they were not allowed. It seemed they made the long journey and weren't allowed to play, but hearing five thousand people chant and cheer for them to play it gave their parents the strength to keep fighting for their rights and the rights of their children.
My favorite line in the book is a quote by Ben Singleton, one of the player's fathers, who said: "the man you condemn today is the one you become tomorrow." This story could be used to teach tolerance, and even bullying, in the classroom.
The afterword includes the story of the same 14 boys going back to Pennsylvania in 2002 and taking the field to the cheers of thousands of baseball fans. The author relays a very touching incident that left me shedding a few tears. show less

I liked this book for three reasons. The first reason that I liked this book is because it pushed the reader to see a different perspective. It showed the reader how even though Jackie Robinson was playing in the MLB and proved that Black athletes were good athletes, they still weren’t allowed to compete against White athletes. This book shows how the community, not only the 14 boys on the team, prepared for them to go to play in a Little League with White teams and how they prepare to head to the Little League Championship. I also like the illustrations in this book. The colors tones throughout the book change as the mood changes. When the book is sad and uncertain about what is happening, the colors are dark whereas when it is show more happy, the colors are light and cheery. Lastly, I like that this book is ended with an epilogue. I like that tells about how the story of the 14 boys on the team ends and how it comes full circle. I think that is shows that even though you may not get what you want at the time you want it; it can still happen later in life. The big idea of this story is to tell not let other people tell you can’t, keep trying and good things will come from it. show less

1st to 5th grade. This sensitively rendered picture book pays tribute to the bravery of a little league team from segregated South Carolina. In 1955 the state's little league director opposed the Cannon street league team's right to play in the little league because they were African American. That year every Caucasian team pulled out of the league in order to boycott their presence. By default the Cannon Street team got to go to Pennsylvania in order to attend the Little League World Series. But even there, they were only allowed to practice and not play even though the crowd chants "Let them play." This is their story and Raven tells it in a personal third person perspective that is delivered like story-telling from a porch. The show more effect is deeply heart felt. Ellison's illustrations match this tone perfectly beginning with a close up of one of the player's sad and wistful faces on the cover. Pencil drawn and then realistically painted in muted acrylics, Ellison is a master at expressive faces. Raven and Ellison give dignity to the characters and guide the reader to realizing their triumph of spirit. This book is highly recommended and not to be passed over by public and elementary school librarians. show less

Great true story about the bigotry and ignorance surrounding letting black kids play baseball with the white kids. A very educational and informative story and can be good to read in black history month or frankly any other month.

This is a book about a group of African American baseball players from South Carolina. It shows the segregation and discrimination these young boys faced in their community and how the rights were wronged later on and they received the appreciation they deserved. This would be targeted for 2-3 graders. I would use this in my classroom as an individual free-time book because it could appeal to those interested in baseball while also representing the African-American culture.

I enjoyed this book because it was non fiction. I could relate to the feeling of the boys when they were playing baseball, the pure joy being out on the diamond is really something else. I also relate to the disappointment that one can experience when you're not allowed to play. Even though the reasons were different the feelings are much the same. I thought that the beginning might be confusing for students learning to read because of all the names that are used. Overall, it's a great book that shows perseverance and dedication.

As our first picture book on this topic and actually about baseball I found myself having to give a lot of additional information so my daughter would understand better. She is a bit young for this particular book, an older child would likely understand the appeal of baseball to young boys and have some understanding of the way life might have been when you couldn't just drink from any ol water fountain. Still I'm glad we read it although until the moment of the water fountain page and an explanation about skin color I'm not sure she ever noticed or cared about skin color... I sure hope it stays that way!