The Greatest Story Never Told: The Babe and Jackie

by Ray Negron, Laura Seeley (Illustrator)

Skippy and Connor don't like each other. In fact, each of them wants a new roommate because the other is too "different." Stuck in the hospital with serious illnesses, the boys get a surprise visit from Ray, a Yankee batboy who whisks them away on a magical journey back in time to meet the legendary Babe Ruth. The adventure doesn't stop there, as the Bambino takes them to see baseball hero Jackie Robinson play at Ebbets Field. Along the way, the Babe and Jackie share some unforgettable lessons with their young friends about baseball, friendship, and accepting others' differences. Ray Negron and Laura Seeley, the New York Times bestselling team from the boy of steel , have hit another home run with The Greatest Story Never The Babe and Jackie , a touching story inspired by real events related to Ray by Babe Ruth's granddaughter.

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Ray Negron is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Boy of Steel: A Baseball Dream Come True, as well as two other children's picture books. He was a Yankees batboy, played minor league ball, and worked for the Cleveland Indians. He currently works with the Yankees as a special advisor on community relations for Hank Steinbrenner and Randy Levine. In addition, he is the producer of the animated film Henry & Me. He lives in Florida with his four children.

Reviews

[Bkrieth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the topic and intent, but the story becomes confusing for it's intended audience.

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a story about two young boys, one white and one black, who needed a reminder that different colors of skin does not make someone "different". Through a source of magic, they accompany another boy who helps them see the developing friendship between Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth. This friendship was used as the example because it was between two men of different colored skin, and how they could be friends regardless of that factor. The example was also used because both of the young boys loved baseball. In the end, both of the boys realized they had acted poorly and then became good friends. I liked this book because it talked about race and diversity while also telling a historical story that directly tied into that. I think older elementary age children would enjoy this story as well, and appreciate the realistic illustrations that accompanied the text.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too long for a read-aloud, this is a transition book of alternative baseball history. Good picture book for adults.