Players in Pigtails

Author: Shana Corey 

Illustrator: Rebecca Gibbons

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade level: K-4

Katie Casey doesn't like to do the normal things a woman would do like cooking, sewing, etc. She would rather play baseball. Many people make comments to her that baseball is not for girls and she should just stick to ballet. Baseball started to change because during WWII boys were drafted into the war and there was no time for baseball. Then the owner of the Chicago Cubs questions that if women can work in factories and the work force, then they should be able to play baseball as well. At first his ideas aren't received well but eventually he finds ways to convince the public that it is a good idea. 

This book is perfect to teach about women rights. This could also be used during a WWII lesson as well. There is a lot of good vocabulary throughout the book as well for a vocal or spelling lesson. 

The illustrations were very stiff. They are colorful and semi realistic. There isn't much movement in them. There are many different details that hint that the time period is during WWII.