by Julian May
Roy Campanella steps up to the plate in an era when few Black players wear major league uniforms. The young catcher from Philadelphia works his way through the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Campanella encounters hostility from fans, opposing players, and even some teammates as he proves his worth behind the plate. His powerful batting and skilled handling of pitchers help the Dodgers compete for pennants, but the pressure extends beyond the ballpark. Campanella must navigate a world where his talent opens doors while his race creates obstacles at every turn. The story follows his determination to succeed in a sport slowly opening to players like him, capturing both his athletic achievements and personal struggles in a changing America.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, american, african-american, biography-memoir, baseball, african-american-historical-fiction, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, underdog
Setting: Brooklyn, Philadelphia
Period: 20th-century
Unknown Binding
Content warnings: racism