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Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story
Lizzie Murphy was good at baseball. In fact, she was better than most of the boys. But she was born in 1900, and back then baseball was not a game for girls. Lizzie practiced with her brother anyway, and then she talked her way onto the local boys’ team, first as a batboy, then as a player. Everyone was impressed by her hard catches and fast pitches. By the time she turned fifteen, she was playing for two different amateur boys’ teams. When she turned eighteen, Lizzie did something else that women weren’t supposed to do: she signed up with a professional baseball team, determined to earn her living playing the game.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2015
1 person is currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Emily Arnold McCully
193 books77 followersEmily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 12, 2021
Lizzie was born in 1894 and played professional baseball (on a men’s team!) from 1918 to 1935! Her father encouraged her love of the sport, and gave Lizzie his old ball and glove and knew she had talent. Lizzie went to all her brother’s games and tried to get on the team. She started out being a bat boy and one day, when none of the boys had remembered to bring a ball but she had one, she used it as leverage to be allowed to play first base. A few of the boys groused at this, but allowed her to play – and she helped them win big time! When Lizzie was twelve, she went to work in the textile mill like the rest of her family, but she dreamed of baseball. Her mother was concerned with her obsession with the sport and wanted her to be more ladylike and get a job that would support her since she felt it was hard enough for a man to earn a living in baseball. But, Lizzie couldn’t help herself. She tried out for the semipro team in her town and was signed. The manager signed her just because he thought it would be a good publicity stunt to have a woman on the field. But, she quickly won the respect of the other players. When the manager skipped over her when he handed out the pay after the first game, she said she wouldn’t play again unless she got her pay fair and square, equal to each of the male players. Her teammates supported her and she was allowed to continue on the team, earning the same as the men—and her mother made her own baseball uniform! :-) The back matter is informative about her later career. Lizzie later contract with the Boston All-Stars. The manager told reporters, “She swells attendance, and she’s worth every cent I pay here. But, most important, she produces the goods.” She went on be the first woman to play in a major league exhibition game, and the first personto play on the National and American Leagues’ all-star teams. Includes a brief list of sources. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I do feel there was a bit too much generalizing at times – such as the opening line, “In 1900, baseball was America’s national pastime. […] Every boy owned a ball, a glove, and a dream.” I’m pretty sure not every boy was fortunate enough to have a ball and a glove… a lot of them probably just had a dream. But, overall, I enjoyed it and appreciated that, while it showed some men didn’t like a woman in sports, some also appreciated her talent and encouraged her.
For more trailblazers in women's baseball, see The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton and Anybody's Game: Kathryn Johnston, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball.
For more trailblazers in women's baseball, see The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton and Anybody's Game: Kathryn Johnston, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball.
March 30, 2017
This is a picture book, age appropriate story of Lizzie Murphy. In preparing for a weeklong baseball themed literacy unit, the story of how women influenced the game is essential. It's easy to find appropriate books about the legends of MLB, but more difficult to find suitable accounts of the many women who've played a vital role. This one includes fictionalized, very softened, all-encouraging dialogue, but does tell a true story of a courageous, strong, and extremely talented young woman who knew baseball and sports first and foremost in her household growing up.
In teaching young students for a decade, I spend a lot of time sharing and enjoying taking part in my passions. I don't hide my love of sports, competition, sportsmanship and teamwork with my students. I love taking part in their interests too. I've spent many hours organizing and taking part in sports and recreational fun with them, and many evenings and weekend mornings/afternoons watching them in their own endeavors. One thing has struck me over the years in observing - most of my stand-out, all-around impressive athletes I've seen and watched at the young age I lead have been female. If I had to list 10, I'd say 7 are female. There still remains this idea that a statement as such just can't be - boys are stronger, naturally more talented and athletic. I don't buy it. This coming from a male who loves sports! Our culture makes it so important for boys, and boys hear it and are encouraged so much more than their female counterparts. Yes, as they grow up some and keep working at it, then they might be more inclined to become stronger. More athletic? Not at an early age.
I go on this aside, simply from reading this and being inspired, but discouraged in reading Of Lizzie's challenges and accomplishments. As much as we look back and can admire the likes of Lizzie Murphy and many other women doing many other amazing things back in the time of suffrage and expanding civil rights in this country, I can't help but be discouraged that there aren't more stories, or that the accomplishments of these great women didn't make it more of a trend and a thing rather than a standout, an aberration in our history. We still have these barriers and challenges.
I don't know where that leads me on this review of a children's picture book. I enjoy stories of these great people in our past accomplishing amazing things through obstacles. I hope that in equally sharing all stories to my students, teaching them and treating them as equals at all times, it has a positive influence on all as they develop and focus their interests and talents. There are so many intelligent, talented, and amazing young people in this world. I see it everyday!
In teaching young students for a decade, I spend a lot of time sharing and enjoying taking part in my passions. I don't hide my love of sports, competition, sportsmanship and teamwork with my students. I love taking part in their interests too. I've spent many hours organizing and taking part in sports and recreational fun with them, and many evenings and weekend mornings/afternoons watching them in their own endeavors. One thing has struck me over the years in observing - most of my stand-out, all-around impressive athletes I've seen and watched at the young age I lead have been female. If I had to list 10, I'd say 7 are female. There still remains this idea that a statement as such just can't be - boys are stronger, naturally more talented and athletic. I don't buy it. This coming from a male who loves sports! Our culture makes it so important for boys, and boys hear it and are encouraged so much more than their female counterparts. Yes, as they grow up some and keep working at it, then they might be more inclined to become stronger. More athletic? Not at an early age.
I go on this aside, simply from reading this and being inspired, but discouraged in reading Of Lizzie's challenges and accomplishments. As much as we look back and can admire the likes of Lizzie Murphy and many other women doing many other amazing things back in the time of suffrage and expanding civil rights in this country, I can't help but be discouraged that there aren't more stories, or that the accomplishments of these great women didn't make it more of a trend and a thing rather than a standout, an aberration in our history. We still have these barriers and challenges.
I don't know where that leads me on this review of a children's picture book. I enjoy stories of these great people in our past accomplishing amazing things through obstacles. I hope that in equally sharing all stories to my students, teaching them and treating them as equals at all times, it has a positive influence on all as they develop and focus their interests and talents. There are so many intelligent, talented, and amazing young people in this world. I see it everyday!
September 3, 2021
Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. It centers on a very determined girl in turn-of-the-20th-century Rhode Island decides that she will play baseball.
Mary Elizabeth Murphy, known as "The Queen of Baseball", was the first woman to play professional baseball, competing with male athletes in 1922. She played baseball for seventeen years as a first baseman; she also played on several all-star teams and was the first person of either sex to play on both American and National league baseball teams.
McCully's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. McCully does not make comparisons to modern-day professional baseball, carefully keeping the tale true to the time period, but she obviously admires the daring young woman who paved her own path. Backmatter includes an author's note and sources. McCully shows a keen eye for the attire and social mores of the era in a rousing story of a girl’s dedication to the sport she loves.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In the early 20th century, girls weren't supposed to play baseball, but Rhode Islander Lizzie Murphy loved the game. Chutzpah and talent landed the redhead on two amateur teams before a manager let her play semi-pro. However, Murphy was more than a spectacle, demanding pay equal to male players and eventually joining the Boston All-Stars.
All in all, Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story is an interesting biography where young readers would root for young Lizzie – the Queen of Baseball.
Mary Elizabeth Murphy, known as "The Queen of Baseball", was the first woman to play professional baseball, competing with male athletes in 1922. She played baseball for seventeen years as a first baseman; she also played on several all-star teams and was the first person of either sex to play on both American and National league baseball teams.
McCully's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. McCully does not make comparisons to modern-day professional baseball, carefully keeping the tale true to the time period, but she obviously admires the daring young woman who paved her own path. Backmatter includes an author's note and sources. McCully shows a keen eye for the attire and social mores of the era in a rousing story of a girl’s dedication to the sport she loves.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In the early 20th century, girls weren't supposed to play baseball, but Rhode Islander Lizzie Murphy loved the game. Chutzpah and talent landed the redhead on two amateur teams before a manager let her play semi-pro. However, Murphy was more than a spectacle, demanding pay equal to male players and eventually joining the Boston All-Stars.
All in all, Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story is an interesting biography where young readers would root for young Lizzie – the Queen of Baseball.
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November 24, 2015Title: Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story
Author: Emily Arnold McCully
Illustrator:
Genre: Biography (grades k-2)
Theme(s): baseball, life history, gender stereotypes, dedication
Opening line/sentence: In 1900, baseball was America’s national pastime.
Brief Book Summary: This book is about Lizzie Murphy, one of the first women to play baseball professionally. It talks about how she used to play with her brother, but wanted to play on a team which her mother did not want her to do. Eventually she does play on a team, and plays professionally at 18 but doesn’t get paid until she fights for it.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Hornbook
McCully, Emily Arnold Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story
32 pp. Farrar/Ferguson 2015. ISBN 978-0-374-30007-4
(2) K-3 In the early twentieth century, Lizzie Murphy parlays her love for baseball into a successful career. At eighteen, she seizes an opportunity to play professional ball, where she draws crowds more because of her gender than considerable skill. She's denied a salary until she fights for equal pay. Impressionistic ink and watercolor illustrations subtly depict Lizzie as being slightly different from the crowd. Bib.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Publisher’s Weekly
In the early 20th century, girls weren’t supposed to play baseball, but Rhode Islander Lizzie Murphy loved the game. Chutzpah and talent landed the redhead on two amateur teams before a manager let her play semipro: “ ‘Sure, we’ll start you at first base,’ he said. His eyes twinkled. He was thinking that people would come in droves to see a girl on the field.” But Murphy was more than a spectacle, demanding pay equal to male players and eventually joining the Boston All-Stars, an afterword notes. McCully shows a keen eye for the attire and social mores of the era in a rousing story of a girl’s dedication to the sport she loves. Ages 5–8. (Feb.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews spoke positively of this book, and I agree with them. I had never heard of this book before, and I enjoyed it a lot! The first one spoke of the use of watercolor in a positive light, saying how it made Lizzie stand out, and I agree that it did make her stand out. They also both mentioned how the illustrations are well done and illustrate the time period correctly.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: As mentioned in the response the professional reviews, the water color use in these illustrations was a great choice. It’s clear who Lizzie is because her clothing is brighter than everyone else’s. The clothing and styles in this book are also wonderfully accurate in representing the time period. The text per page is appropriate, and this book is very well done in all areas.
Consideration of Instructional Application: To use this book in a classroom, I would have students act out how they handle situations where people tell them they can’t do something. I’d have situations prepared, and give them to groups and have the groups work on a mini role-play. They would then pair up with another group in the class, and the two groups would act out their situation for the other group, and the other group tries to guess what it was. Similar to charades, but in groups, and the students can talk as long as they don’t directly say the answer. Hopefully this would show that persevering, like Lizzie Murphy, pays off in the end.
Author: Emily Arnold McCully
Illustrator:
Genre: Biography (grades k-2)
Theme(s): baseball, life history, gender stereotypes, dedication
Opening line/sentence: In 1900, baseball was America’s national pastime.
Brief Book Summary: This book is about Lizzie Murphy, one of the first women to play baseball professionally. It talks about how she used to play with her brother, but wanted to play on a team which her mother did not want her to do. Eventually she does play on a team, and plays professionally at 18 but doesn’t get paid until she fights for it.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Hornbook
McCully, Emily Arnold Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story
32 pp. Farrar/Ferguson 2015. ISBN 978-0-374-30007-4
(2) K-3 In the early twentieth century, Lizzie Murphy parlays her love for baseball into a successful career. At eighteen, she seizes an opportunity to play professional ball, where she draws crowds more because of her gender than considerable skill. She's denied a salary until she fights for equal pay. Impressionistic ink and watercolor illustrations subtly depict Lizzie as being slightly different from the crowd. Bib.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Publisher’s Weekly
In the early 20th century, girls weren’t supposed to play baseball, but Rhode Islander Lizzie Murphy loved the game. Chutzpah and talent landed the redhead on two amateur teams before a manager let her play semipro: “ ‘Sure, we’ll start you at first base,’ he said. His eyes twinkled. He was thinking that people would come in droves to see a girl on the field.” But Murphy was more than a spectacle, demanding pay equal to male players and eventually joining the Boston All-Stars, an afterword notes. McCully shows a keen eye for the attire and social mores of the era in a rousing story of a girl’s dedication to the sport she loves. Ages 5–8. (Feb.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews spoke positively of this book, and I agree with them. I had never heard of this book before, and I enjoyed it a lot! The first one spoke of the use of watercolor in a positive light, saying how it made Lizzie stand out, and I agree that it did make her stand out. They also both mentioned how the illustrations are well done and illustrate the time period correctly.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: As mentioned in the response the professional reviews, the water color use in these illustrations was a great choice. It’s clear who Lizzie is because her clothing is brighter than everyone else’s. The clothing and styles in this book are also wonderfully accurate in representing the time period. The text per page is appropriate, and this book is very well done in all areas.
Consideration of Instructional Application: To use this book in a classroom, I would have students act out how they handle situations where people tell them they can’t do something. I’d have situations prepared, and give them to groups and have the groups work on a mini role-play. They would then pair up with another group in the class, and the two groups would act out their situation for the other group, and the other group tries to guess what it was. Similar to charades, but in groups, and the students can talk as long as they don’t directly say the answer. Hopefully this would show that persevering, like Lizzie Murphy, pays off in the end.
May 27, 2018
The story of Lizzie Murphy, the first female professional baseball player. If I didn't already know the story, I probably would have found this more interesting. I do think athletic girls will be inspired by Lizzie's story. I only learned about her recently despite growing up in a town near Lizzie's. The writing style is simple enough for young children to read and enjoy this biography. It mixes facts with dialogue to tell the story in a more engaging way. The illustrations are pretty good. The people look fairly realistic for the time period. My MAJOR problem is when Lizzie "spends all day at a loom" and she's depicted standing at a spinning machine! The illustrator most likely came to the museum where I work and not finding a working loom, went with spinning instead. This sort of historical inaccuracy made me drop my rating by a whole star. The museum staff work hard to educate kids about the different machines and types of mill work for kids and this illustrator couldn't even be bothered to get it right.
The author includes a bibliography. This is a good book for grades 1-3 to read aloud in the classroom or on their own.
Read more about Lizzie and see her baseball card photos
Warren Athletic Hall of Fame
The author includes a bibliography. This is a good book for grades 1-3 to read aloud in the classroom or on their own.
Read more about Lizzie and see her baseball card photos
Warren Athletic Hall of Fame
April 28, 2015
Even when she was very young, Lizzie Murphy was good at baseball, a talent her father nurtured. But the local boys wouldn't let her play with them until she had something they needed--the ball--in order to play. After she proves herself on the playing field, they never question her ability again. Eventually, she ends up playing professional baseball for seventeen years, the first person to be named to the all-star teams for both the National and American leagues. Her story is inspiring, partly because of her unique experiences in playing in a male-dominated sport, but also because the humorous way in which it is told. Look how far we've come since 1894 when Lizzie was born, and sports such as baseball were off limits to women. As always with this author/illustrator, she covers territory that hasn't been covered in the past, and she does so in an engaging way. The illustrations show Lizzie's fierce determination to play ball.
March 18, 2015
Professional baseball player Lizzie Murphy is celebrated in this fictionalized picture book. Young Lizzie is shown playing ball with her brothers and encouraged by her father - there is made-up dialogue but overall it is relatively factual. Later, Lizzie works in a mill, but is offered the chance to be a paid baseball player, which she did from 1918-1935. The back page has a photo of Murphy and more information. A great book for Women's History Month and to encourage girls to play sports.
September 22, 2017
I just read this book to all my second, third, and fourth grade classes. Fourth graders LOVED it. Third graders liked it a lot. Most Second graders got a little bored. I think it's a bit sophisticated for most seven year olds. Personally, I loved it.
Library Lessons
We had amazing discussions in the upper grades about equality, women's rights, and how we don't get mad about history. Instead, we work to change what we don't think is right.
Library Lessons
We had amazing discussions in the upper grades about equality, women's rights, and how we don't get mad about history. Instead, we work to change what we don't think is right.
April 29, 2015
I love learning about women trailblazers!
February 25, 2015
A surprising picture book biography about professional ballplayer Lizzie Murphy, who played from 1918 - 1935. Her father and brother were talented at baseball, and she was just as good as they were. They encouraged her playing. Her mother tried to discourage her playing sports. But Lizzie just had to -- it was the thing she did best.
When neighborhood boys wouldn't let her on their team, she agreed to be the ball-boy. One day, when none of the boys remembered to bring a ball to a game, she offered to let them use the ball that she'd brought -- IF she could play 1st base. She lead the team to an incredible victory. And the rest is history.
Great choice for Women's History Month! Pair it with Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen by Marissa Moss.
When neighborhood boys wouldn't let her on their team, she agreed to be the ball-boy. One day, when none of the boys remembered to bring a ball to a game, she offered to let them use the ball that she'd brought -- IF she could play 1st base. She lead the team to an incredible victory. And the rest is history.
Great choice for Women's History Month! Pair it with Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen by Marissa Moss.
April 27, 2015
A determined girl becomes a determined professional baseball player! Lizzie Murphy, raised in Rhode Island, throws and hits as well as any boy. Despite her families concerns and worries, she joins the Providence Independents and the Boston All-Stars. She fights for equal pay and earns the respect of her teammates and fans with her ability to hit and throw.
Clearly and well told, this story shares the spirit of baseball without being preachy. The language is simple and the examples are clear. A great story to share with elementary readers (grades 1 - 3) about perseverance, fairness, and determination.
Clearly and well told, this story shares the spirit of baseball without being preachy. The language is simple and the examples are clear. A great story to share with elementary readers (grades 1 - 3) about perseverance, fairness, and determination.
October 11, 2016
Queen of the Diamond: The Lizie Murphy Story was a very encouraging story. It was based on how Lizzie wanted to play baseball but back in the 1900's it wasn't for girls. Although it was more of a boys sport she did not let that stop her. I feel this book would be great to have within a classroom for little girls just because it can teach them that they can do anything that a boy can do! It is empowering and is uplifting because Lizze went out and proved everyone wrong! The writing and pictures were great as well and caught your attention. As a teacher this can be a great lesson for boys as well because it can teach them to respect girls because they can be just as good as them at anything!
October 13, 2016
Lizzie Murphy was determined to play baseball. Even though the boys laughed at first, she still wanted to. When they realized how good she was, she became more involved. Lizzie's mom tried to keep her from playing, but it was her dream. Lizzie went on to be the first professional baseball player. She was compared to the men and was shorted money, but after that she made sure she would never be shorted money again. People were coming to see her so she deserved it. This book is great for kids to learn about how girls can do boy things, and boys can do girls things if they want. & If you have a dream, follow it.
May 4, 2017
Baseball Spring Training has started and we couldn't be more excited. We are a baseball loving family and can't wait to spend time watching our favorite team. Queen of the Diamond is the story of a girl with a natural athletic ability and a true love for baseball and she doesn't let anyone stand in her way. This book isn't just for baseball lovers. It's a book that will inspire you to go out and fight for what you love. ❤️⚾️ #kidsbooksworthreading #kidsbooks #kidsbookstagram #childrensliterature #kidslit #kidlit #queenofthediamond #baseball #girlslovebaseball #margaretfergusonbooks
April 20, 2015
Fun story about a GIRL baseball player! Baseball player picture book bios are nothing new, and many are quite well done. But there are precious few about girl players. Note the back matter which gives a bit more info on Lizzie Murphy. I thought McCully told the story well, and kids will appreciate the attention given to Murphy's childhood love of baseball in addition to the info on her actual career.
August 31, 2015
A picture book biography of Lizzie Murphy, the first woman to play on both Major League and All-Star baseball teams in 1918-1935. McCully does a good job showing how Lizzie loved the game, believed in her passion when even her own mother discouraged her, demanded equal pay and got it! This is a good baseball story that reveals much about the attitude towards sports and women in the early 20th century.
April 2, 2016
The fact that Lizzie Murphy loved baseball isn't such a surprise. What she managed to accomplish with her love hard work, skills, and determination are much more so. During her era it was far from the norm for a woman to support herself with a career. The story of how she managed to play professionally, generate a merchandising campaign, and sustain a career in the all-male world of sports is both inspiring and entertaining.
May 14, 2016
Lizzie Murphy was the first woman to play professional baseball. An amazing story. I especially loved how her brother and father helped her and stood up for her. And how she advocated herself, first becoming a ball girl, later demanding equal pay as the male players on the team. An inspiration.
October 11, 2016
Very interesting biography encouraging girls to follow their dreams even in areas blocked by status or society. Not heavy-handed. Factual. Jaunty and expressive text. Lively illustrations.
February 8, 2017
An inspirational book about the fact that we can be anything we want to be. Many kids and adults don't know about the first woman to play on both major league all-star teams!
December 4, 2024
Teachers, if you are looking for a motivating read aloud for your students, Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story by author Emily Arnold Mcully is a wonderful choice that intertwines feminism and the sport of baseball. This book is a children’s picture book about a young girl who wants to play baseball, which is considered a sport for boys. In the story, a young girl wants to play baseball with the boys, but she is looked down upon for wanting to do so. The main character, Lizzie, is based on a real person. This story is perfect for reading to students during a non-instructional period. The illustrations enhance the story and the topic will surely gain the interest of both boys and girls in the classroom!
January 1, 2020
Working with preschoolers and their families, I am frequently encouraging participation in the 1000 books before kindergarten literacy program. After years of encouraging others to participate, I decided to participate as well, despite not having a child under five years of age, and lead by example. In choosing to participate, I decided to use the challenge as a way to become more familiar with the contemporary literary cannon for families with young children, and have begun to immerse myself in both fiction and nonfiction works available for young children today.
This story of a young girl who loved the game and was quite a talented baseball player grew up playing in her local neighborhood, and then amateur teams and then eventually, despite objections from those close to her, risked it all to make a career of baseball as an adult. She pursued her passions and talents to become who she wanted to wanted to be and thought she was always supposed to become. The storyline was one of strength and perseverance, and yet in this book, and several others I read around the same time, I was overwhelmingly aware of how much it took for women to pursue their passions and be accepted in a world that was largely male dominated in SO many areas. Women who were talented in areas that were not normatively known to be “female dominated” typically had no chance to make a career for themselves with the skills they had been given and/or in fields they loved. In reading about these struggles, I appreciated the perseverant nature of the lead character and her efforts to overcome these barriers during her time. I was also appreciative of the story having been brought to light for young girls who today may struggle in the future, and who can hopefully look back on efforts made by women of the past and take heart to overcome whatever barriers they may encounter in their lives as well. Generally, an uplifting story!
This story of a young girl who loved the game and was quite a talented baseball player grew up playing in her local neighborhood, and then amateur teams and then eventually, despite objections from those close to her, risked it all to make a career of baseball as an adult. She pursued her passions and talents to become who she wanted to wanted to be and thought she was always supposed to become. The storyline was one of strength and perseverance, and yet in this book, and several others I read around the same time, I was overwhelmingly aware of how much it took for women to pursue their passions and be accepted in a world that was largely male dominated in SO many areas. Women who were talented in areas that were not normatively known to be “female dominated” typically had no chance to make a career for themselves with the skills they had been given and/or in fields they loved. In reading about these struggles, I appreciated the perseverant nature of the lead character and her efforts to overcome these barriers during her time. I was also appreciative of the story having been brought to light for young girls who today may struggle in the future, and who can hopefully look back on efforts made by women of the past and take heart to overcome whatever barriers they may encounter in their lives as well. Generally, an uplifting story!
September 19, 2018
Picked this one up at the local library while I was waiting for my son. The story is typical of any diamond-in-the-rough sports story - kid works hard, and some people believe (s)he can make it, but it takes special circumstances to finally get a chance. That's what Lizzie Murphy lived through. Overall, it's a pretty cool story.
The story brought to light a few things:
- Lizzie Murphy was not paid for her first pro game, but realized that she was the one bringing all the crowds and insisted to be paid.
- It states that she practiced throwing, catching, and running with her brother for hours, but her father claims that she's "a natural." (No, Dad. That's hard work, not natural ability.)
- Lizzle was an all-around athlete in the early 1900's.
- Lizzie was also a keen business woman, making upwards of $50 per game selling her own baseball cards.
- Lizzie traveled around with baseball a lot, even getting a single off Satchel Paige in a Negro League game.
The story brought to light a few things:
- Lizzie Murphy was not paid for her first pro game, but realized that she was the one bringing all the crowds and insisted to be paid.
- It states that she practiced throwing, catching, and running with her brother for hours, but her father claims that she's "a natural." (No, Dad. That's hard work, not natural ability.)
- Lizzle was an all-around athlete in the early 1900's.
- Lizzie was also a keen business woman, making upwards of $50 per game selling her own baseball cards.
- Lizzie traveled around with baseball a lot, even getting a single off Satchel Paige in a Negro League game.
November 29, 2020
This is a great one. Another sport book set in the past (we've found a few) this tells the story of Lizzie Murphy who's dad is a former baseball player and who gets good at playing as she helps her brother practice. I thought it did a great job of keeping Lizzie as the one with agency, she's not such an aggressive trailblazer that it's hard to see yourself in her, but she doesn't rely on others to open doors for her. She takes her lumps and acts as the team Bat Girl, but then one day when no-one brings a ball to the game, she steps up and offers one, demanding a place at first base in exchange. Very similar to the Girl from Diamond Street, but I like these set in the past stories that show some of our stereotypes about gender that we think date back to the turn of the century are actually a lot more flexible than we think. My three year old enjoyed it but wasn't nuts for it. We'll bring it back when she's a bit older and the baseball indoctrination has gone further :)
May 19, 2017
This is a longer non-fiction picture book so it's written for elementary school students and older preschoolers who can sit through longer books.
I liked the watercolor and ink illustrations in this book - they definitely have a "historic" feel to them, all while being colorful and expressive.
My kids liked hearing about a girl baseball player. We also found ourselves rooting for Lizzy throughout the book. She definitely had to fight her way to be accepted on the field!
This story will appeal to history fans, baseball fans, and fans of books featuring strong female protagonists.
Would definitely recommend!
I liked the watercolor and ink illustrations in this book - they definitely have a "historic" feel to them, all while being colorful and expressive.
My kids liked hearing about a girl baseball player. We also found ourselves rooting for Lizzy throughout the book. She definitely had to fight her way to be accepted on the field!
This story will appeal to history fans, baseball fans, and fans of books featuring strong female protagonists.
Would definitely recommend!
December 26, 2019
This tells the story of Lizzie Murphy from childhood to just after she started playing semi-pro ball. The rest of her career is mentioned in a sentence or two at the end, and then there's more in the back matter. In particular, playing on both major league all-star teams is only mentioned on the cover and in the back matter, not in the main text itself.
The book did a good job of showing a mix of support and opposition that Murphy faced.
The book did a good job of showing a mix of support and opposition that Murphy faced.
November 28, 2018
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 2-6
I really, really liked this book. It is a story of a young girl who wants to live her dream, and a lot of people are against her. Her father and brother seem to be the only ones who encouraged her. It shows that if you truly follow and believe in your dreams you can make it happen.
Grade Level: 2-6
I really, really liked this book. It is a story of a young girl who wants to live her dream, and a lot of people are against her. Her father and brother seem to be the only ones who encouraged her. It shows that if you truly follow and believe in your dreams you can make it happen.
May 12, 2019
I love baseball and never heard of Lizzie Murphy. A young girl who found her voice and proved to the national league she deserved the right to play and be paid the same as any other player. The year 1918. Perseverance and determination mentor text.
June 30, 2017
Good inspirational book about the first female baseball player.
September 18, 2017
Another girl who wouldn't take no for an answer, and followed her dream to play professional baseball.
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