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Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues
Mamie Peanut Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome in the segregated All-American Girls Pro Baseball League due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball for the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first female pitcher to play on a men's professional team. During the three years she pitched for the Clowns, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for other female athletes and for women everywhere.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
About the author
Leah Henderson
12 books79 followersLeah has always loved getting lost in stories. When she is not scribbling down her characters’ adventures, she is off on her own, exploring new spaces and places around the world.
Leah holds an MFA in Creative Writing. She teaches in Spalding University's graduate writing program and is visiting faculty in Hollins University's MFA program.
Leah holds an MFA in Creative Writing. She teaches in Spalding University's graduate writing program and is visiting faculty in Hollins University's MFA program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 1, 2019
Mamie on the Mound tells the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson and her three years in the Negro Leagues.
It's a well-written look at a trailblazer, highlighted with appealing illustrations. I can see this book having appeal to a number of audiences: those interested in sports, history, feminism, and racism in the United States will find plenty of interest here. There's a brief note at the back detailing what happened to Mamie after her time playing professional baseball, as well as a photograph of the woman herself.
There's not much to complain about here. I'm not a sports fan, but I still found Mamie's story (and her determination to follow her passion) captivating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.
It's a well-written look at a trailblazer, highlighted with appealing illustrations. I can see this book having appeal to a number of audiences: those interested in sports, history, feminism, and racism in the United States will find plenty of interest here. There's a brief note at the back detailing what happened to Mamie after her time playing professional baseball, as well as a photograph of the woman herself.
There's not much to complain about here. I'm not a sports fan, but I still found Mamie's story (and her determination to follow her passion) captivating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.
August 27, 2019
A woman playing sports on a men's team is unusual enough, but to find out that this happened back in the 1950s was amazing. Mamie tried to join the women's baseball league, but because she was black, she was not allowed in. So, she went to the Negro League, and because she could pitch as well, if not better than the men, she made the team, and proceeded to play for three years.
What an amazing time that must have been. She eneded up being one of three women on the team.
This picture book gives the story of her life, from teaching herself how to play, to making the team. There are photos in the back of what she looked like, as well as a timeline.
Must have for women and sports and women's history, and black history, and just history in general.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
What an amazing time that must have been. She eneded up being one of three women on the team.
This picture book gives the story of her life, from teaching herself how to play, to making the team. There are photos in the back of what she looked like, as well as a timeline.
Must have for women and sports and women's history, and black history, and just history in general.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Read
June 25, 2021Mamie on the Mound is Leah Henderson’s picture book biography of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, the first female pitcher in professional baseball. The story follows Mamie from her childhood fascination with baseball, through her playing semipro ball, and eventually to a 33-8 record in three Negro League seasons. Beyond the events and episodes, Henderson emphasizes that Mamie’s confident attitude was a key factor in her success when her race and gender were two strikes against her.
Illustrator George Doutsiopoulos presents Mamie with sparkling, mischievous eyes and accurate hand and arm positions that threaten batters with her devastating arsenal of pitches. I also like how Doutsiopoulos shows Mamie from low angles to make her seem more powerful, even as she says, “They think I’m not as good,” or faces Jim Crow tactics as her team travels through the American South.
Although the youngest readers may need help with some of the vocabulary (underestimate, prejudice, doubleheader, segregated), everyone can benefit from Mamie’s story and its lessons about resilience, perseverance, pride, and confidence.
Illustrator George Doutsiopoulos presents Mamie with sparkling, mischievous eyes and accurate hand and arm positions that threaten batters with her devastating arsenal of pitches. I also like how Doutsiopoulos shows Mamie from low angles to make her seem more powerful, even as she says, “They think I’m not as good,” or faces Jim Crow tactics as her team travels through the American South.
Although the youngest readers may need help with some of the vocabulary (underestimate, prejudice, doubleheader, segregated), everyone can benefit from Mamie’s story and its lessons about resilience, perseverance, pride, and confidence.
Read
January 3, 2020Finally! A picture book biography of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, African American baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues (yes, with the boys!) for three years in the 1950s. Sprightly text matches a sprightly personality in this biography that's perfect for young sports fans and women's history. Get it on your shelves before baseball season starts.
October 26, 2019
Mamie on the Mound is the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson and her three years in the Negro Baseball Leagues. She was up against a lot. She couldn't play in the All Women's league because of her skin colour, and she had to fight to play in the Negro Baseball League because she was a female. She did not give up and eventually broke through the male barrier to play the game she loved. This is a well-written book about a trailblazer who helped to open doors for female athletes. This book tells how Mamie overcame the prejudice and segregation of the 1950s to fulfill her dream of playing professional baseball, breaking ground for female athletes everywhere. This picture book gives the story of her life, from teaching herself how to play baseball, to making the team. There are actual photos in the back of the book, as well as a timeline. This book would appeal to many readers, such as those interested in sports, history, feminism, and racism in the United States. It is also a good book to discuss following your dreams, being determined and persevering at something you love. A great book to use in late primary, early junior classrooms to discuss those topics, but also to use when teaching about biographies. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 13, 2019
Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues by Leah Henderson, illustrated by George Doutsiopoulis, is utterly charming and everything I typically hope for and expect from a picture book biography.
Telling the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, this story manages to give us a brief look into an incredible part of baseball history. The book covers Mamie's childhood love of baseball into her adulthood where she became the first woman to be a professional pitcher in baseball history. Reading this book really had me feeling Mamie's love for baseball, and even though there were hard times, you can see her love for the sport shine through it all in this picture book. The illustrations are cute and charming, and they show Mamie's story just as well as the words do.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of picture book biographies, baseball, sports, or specifically Black women in sports. I think any child with a love of sports will find something to connect to in Mamie's story.
Telling the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, this story manages to give us a brief look into an incredible part of baseball history. The book covers Mamie's childhood love of baseball into her adulthood where she became the first woman to be a professional pitcher in baseball history. Reading this book really had me feeling Mamie's love for baseball, and even though there were hard times, you can see her love for the sport shine through it all in this picture book. The illustrations are cute and charming, and they show Mamie's story just as well as the words do.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of picture book biographies, baseball, sports, or specifically Black women in sports. I think any child with a love of sports will find something to connect to in Mamie's story.
October 5, 2019
Thank you to Capstone for sharing an early copy with our #bookexpedition group!
This picture book biography tells the incredible story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson’s childhood and the three years she played professional baseball in the Negro Leagues.
Celebrating female athletes and trailblazing black athletes, this book tells how Mamie overcame the prejudice and segregation of the 1950s to fulfill her dream of playing professional baseball, breaking ground for female athletes everywhere.
With themes of determination and perseverance, this is a preorder must. Publishes 2/1/20.
This picture book biography tells the incredible story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson’s childhood and the three years she played professional baseball in the Negro Leagues.
Celebrating female athletes and trailblazing black athletes, this book tells how Mamie overcame the prejudice and segregation of the 1950s to fulfill her dream of playing professional baseball, breaking ground for female athletes everywhere.
With themes of determination and perseverance, this is a preorder must. Publishes 2/1/20.
March 21, 2021
What a terrific profile this is of a young woman who would not take no for an answer. Mamie’s love of baseball and her confidence of her value, talent, and hard work meant that every NO she faced was meant with a work-around or determination to make her way beyond the obstacles.
October 5, 2020
Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues is a children's picture book written by Leah Henderson and illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos. It centers on Mamie "Peanut" Johnson broke gender barriers playing in the Negro League in the 1950s.
Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was an American professional baseball player who was one of three women, and the first female pitcher, to play in the Negro Leagues.
Henderson's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Henderson focuses on Johnson's determination and passion for the sport. Backmatter includes an afterward, notes, and bibliography. Doutsiopoulos' illustrations are engaging with cartoon flair and depicted the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Playing professionally was unlikely for Mamie Johnson as she had two things or strikes against her – being a girl and black. However, she was barred from trying out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League – even after Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Eventually, she landed an opportunity to pitch for the Negro League's Indianapolis Clowns, where she earned a 33–8 record.
All in all, Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues is an incredible tribute to an African American woman who dismantled racial and gender obstacles amid the civil rights movement.
Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was an American professional baseball player who was one of three women, and the first female pitcher, to play in the Negro Leagues.
Henderson's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Henderson focuses on Johnson's determination and passion for the sport. Backmatter includes an afterward, notes, and bibliography. Doutsiopoulos' illustrations are engaging with cartoon flair and depicted the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Playing professionally was unlikely for Mamie Johnson as she had two things or strikes against her – being a girl and black. However, she was barred from trying out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League – even after Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Eventually, she landed an opportunity to pitch for the Negro League's Indianapolis Clowns, where she earned a 33–8 record.
All in all, Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues is an incredible tribute to an African American woman who dismantled racial and gender obstacles amid the civil rights movement.
May 16, 2023
"Prejudice wasn't going to stop her from playing the game she loved."
The story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson the first female pitcher in professional ball. She had the obstacles of beings a woman and being black, but her dream was to be a pitcher in the major leagues. If Jackie Robinson could do it, why couldn't she?
Growing up, Mamie played baseball with the boys on the Long Branch Police Athletic League. Even though it was an all-white, all-boys league, the coach gave her a try and she earned a spot on the team. As she got older, she played on local semipro men's teams. When they were forming The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, she thought she could earn a spot, but they wouldn't even let black women try out. But being refused by the AAGPBL, opened up a better opportunity for Mamie to play in the Negro Leagues and at the age of 19, Mamie was traveling with the Indianapolis Clowns playing baseball wherever they could. Thanks to her manager, Mr. Downs, the other players begrudgingly accepted Mamie onto the team. "After she won their first game together, she had little trouble from her teammates.
In three seasons with the Clowns, she had a record of 33-8. Mamie returned to her family in 1955 and received a nursing degree. "One of her greatest joys after leaving the game was coaching whenever she could." Includes a bibliography for further reading.
The story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson the first female pitcher in professional ball. She had the obstacles of beings a woman and being black, but her dream was to be a pitcher in the major leagues. If Jackie Robinson could do it, why couldn't she?
Growing up, Mamie played baseball with the boys on the Long Branch Police Athletic League. Even though it was an all-white, all-boys league, the coach gave her a try and she earned a spot on the team. As she got older, she played on local semipro men's teams. When they were forming The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, she thought she could earn a spot, but they wouldn't even let black women try out. But being refused by the AAGPBL, opened up a better opportunity for Mamie to play in the Negro Leagues and at the age of 19, Mamie was traveling with the Indianapolis Clowns playing baseball wherever they could. Thanks to her manager, Mr. Downs, the other players begrudgingly accepted Mamie onto the team. "After she won their first game together, she had little trouble from her teammates.
In three seasons with the Clowns, she had a record of 33-8. Mamie returned to her family in 1955 and received a nursing degree. "One of her greatest joys after leaving the game was coaching whenever she could." Includes a bibliography for further reading.
February 27, 2020
Leah Henderson gives the reader an informative introduction to Mamie Johnson’s journey to playing Negro League Baseball. From her love of the sport in her early childhood to playing professionally as a pitcher for three seasons with the Negro League in the early 1950s.
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson’s story is one that will inspire students to pursue their dreams, athletic or otherwise. The obstacles she faced would not stop her. She kept pressing forward, even when she (and other Black baseball players) were rejected by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The organization’s name then was a misnomer if, in fact, they did not mean for their league to include ALL women. “All was still not equal.” As a woman, I can applaud their efforts to create a platform for women baseball players but as a Black woman, I wish they would have known what it meant to be an ally in the fight for equality. Still, Mamie Johnson persisted-to the point of success on the pitcher’s mound and beyond.
This is a book I can’t wait to share with my students. Thank you to the organizers of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day (Co-Founders: Valerie Budayr and Mia Wenjen) for providing us with a copy. It has been added to our K-5 library for our staff and students to enjoy.
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson’s story is one that will inspire students to pursue their dreams, athletic or otherwise. The obstacles she faced would not stop her. She kept pressing forward, even when she (and other Black baseball players) were rejected by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The organization’s name then was a misnomer if, in fact, they did not mean for their league to include ALL women. “All was still not equal.” As a woman, I can applaud their efforts to create a platform for women baseball players but as a Black woman, I wish they would have known what it meant to be an ally in the fight for equality. Still, Mamie Johnson persisted-to the point of success on the pitcher’s mound and beyond.
This is a book I can’t wait to share with my students. Thank you to the organizers of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day (Co-Founders: Valerie Budayr and Mia Wenjen) for providing us with a copy. It has been added to our K-5 library for our staff and students to enjoy.
March 26, 2020
From a young age, Mamie Johnson knew exactly who she wanted to be - a ballplayer. And boy could she play. With her strong right arm and fierce determination, Mamie was a force to be reckoned with on the ball field. But Mamie was an African American girl, living in the mid 1900s, and opportunities for her to play were few and far between. Mamie never gave up, and eventually her dream came true. She became the first female pitcher in professional baseball history. As a huge baseball fan, I couldn't wait to read this book. Mamie Johnson was so much more than a baseball player. She broke down racial and gender barriers and paved the way for future female African American players. The combination of thoughtful prose and expressive artwork make this a home run. A must have for any school or library collection.
September 4, 2020
Wonderful picture book biography of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, the first woman pitcher to play in men's professional baseball. After being rejected by the (all white) All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (made famous by A League of Their Own), Johnson tried out and was hired as a pitcher for the Indianapolis Clowns of the men's professional Negro Leagues. She played 3 seasons and ended her professional career with an impressive 33-8 record.
Excellent biography that touches on issues of sexism, racism, and segregation, while emphasizing Johnson's perseverance and determination. Beautifully illustrated & includes back matter with photographs and information about Johnson's post-baseball life.
Highly recommended for elementary school and classroom libraries.
Excellent biography that touches on issues of sexism, racism, and segregation, while emphasizing Johnson's perseverance and determination. Beautifully illustrated & includes back matter with photographs and information about Johnson's post-baseball life.
Highly recommended for elementary school and classroom libraries.
February 22, 2020
The text of this book alone might have warranted only four stars, but with the truly outstanding illustrations, this is a five-star book.
The story of Peanut Johnson is one that should not be overlooked. It is sad that the days of Jim Crow and segregation still existed during her entire career, but the weird result was that she pitched against men her entire professional baseball career. It was bigotry that kept her from playing against the best women baseball players.
I had heard a little about her from other sources, but this concise version of her story was a real treat.
The story of Peanut Johnson is one that should not be overlooked. It is sad that the days of Jim Crow and segregation still existed during her entire career, but the weird result was that she pitched against men her entire professional baseball career. It was bigotry that kept her from playing against the best women baseball players.
I had heard a little about her from other sources, but this concise version of her story was a real treat.
December 4, 2022
Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues offers up a remarkable story about breaking barriers and reaching new goals that girls just like Mamie may have not thought were possible before. This book focuses on the hardships of African American culture and connects to young children who may have been through their own hardships.
July 14, 2024
This is a picture book biography of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson who played in the Negro Leagues for the Indianapolis Clowns. The book details the life of Mamie and her time playing as a pitcher. The illustrations were very good and even though the book is really for a younger audience, I really enjoyed it. Very well done.
September 5, 2020
I always like when children’s nonfiction books teach me about someone I didn’t already know about. This book was simple but told about Mamie and her love of baseball along with the difficulties she faced because she was a woman and she was Black. I enjoy this style of illustrations.
February 22, 2020
Tons of content packed in, and what a story. Illustration style was fun--looks almost more like an animation style.
March 2, 2020
Loved it!
May 26, 2020
Great story!
June 18, 2020
Well written picture book bio with source notes for quotes, yay!!!!
August 3, 2020
Leah Henderson's Mamie on the Mound reveals the life and dreams of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, a petite yet strong professional ballplayer who played for 3 years in the Negro Leagues with the men.
October 30, 2020
Good story but very word heavy
December 1, 2021
A very inspiring book about Mamie "Peanut" Johnson and a great read for any young girl.
July 9, 2022
Kids book about an African American woman in the mens negro league as as a pitcher.
February 28, 2023
3.5 - interesting but found it too long and repetitive at times.
April 11, 2023
Liked the art style and the story, but it almost felt like too many words per page
August 7, 2025
More about civil rights than baseball, the book is still a lot of fun and I’m glad I found it.
February 13, 2026
One of the better short baseball stories I have encountered. I want to know more about Mamie.
How did this book find me? It was on the Audible+ catalog and is about baseball.
How did this book find me? It was on the Audible+ catalog and is about baseball.
January 17, 2020
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson only played professional baseball for 3 years, but she certainly left an impression. She received an honor from First Lady Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama recognized her accomplishments as well. This book tells the story of how she turned her dream into a reality.
Mamie Johnson spent a lot of time figuring out how she could be a baseball player as a child. It was unusual for a little girl or even a little black girl to play baseball. She knew if she were given the chance, she could show them how good she was. She had a great right arm and that was her secret weapon. She tried to play with other girls but preferred to play sandlot baseball with the boys. When she was older, she went to try out at the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the white women didn’t want her there.
One day, Bish Tyson, a former Negro League player, told her about Bunny Downs who was in charge of a team called the Indianapolis Clowns. This was a professional ball team. Mamie was asked to be on the team and now she could play professional baseball just like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Satchel Paige. Life was hard on the road in the Jim Crow south, but Mamie hung in and followed her heart and her dream.
Author Leah Henderson has done a fantastic job telling this inspiring story of a woman who cleared the way for others. This beautifully illustrated treasure brings the story to life. Parents and teachers can use this guide to teach readers about baseball, history and how if you work hard you can do anything.
Mamie Johnson spent a lot of time figuring out how she could be a baseball player as a child. It was unusual for a little girl or even a little black girl to play baseball. She knew if she were given the chance, she could show them how good she was. She had a great right arm and that was her secret weapon. She tried to play with other girls but preferred to play sandlot baseball with the boys. When she was older, she went to try out at the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the white women didn’t want her there.
One day, Bish Tyson, a former Negro League player, told her about Bunny Downs who was in charge of a team called the Indianapolis Clowns. This was a professional ball team. Mamie was asked to be on the team and now she could play professional baseball just like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Satchel Paige. Life was hard on the road in the Jim Crow south, but Mamie hung in and followed her heart and her dream.
Author Leah Henderson has done a fantastic job telling this inspiring story of a woman who cleared the way for others. This beautifully illustrated treasure brings the story to life. Parents and teachers can use this guide to teach readers about baseball, history and how if you work hard you can do anything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews