Swinging for the Fences: Hank Aaron and Me

by Mike Leonetti, David Kim (Illustrations)

This first book in a series about fictional encounters between children and their sports heroes features home-run legend Hank Aaron. In this gorgeously illustrated picture book, Mark, a young boy who idolizes Aaron, meets his hero and learns that there's more to being a great baseball player than hitting the ball out of the park.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 20, 2008

Reviews

[David Sneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was it like to live with and cheer for a legend like Hank Aaron? History can often be a set of numbers and a picture or two in an old newspaper. But, what was it like to live then?

When I was a young fan, I was not quite as rabid as Mark (the antagonist). However, I could understand him. I could relate to him. I found this to be a very believable book.

This book is every bit as interesting as the bio that I read about Hank Aaron. Even though it is fictional, it brought my mind into the baseball stadium.

[Jessica L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follows the fictional story of Mark as he meets Hank Aaron and follows his quest to break Babe Ruth's home run record. Hank gives Mark some batting advice. Read the story to find out if he does....

Themes: baseball, equal rights movement

Read this in a PE class and then tie it into baseball today. Also, could be used in a history class to talk about the civil rights movement.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about team work and what is important to a team.