The All-American

About

It is 1952, and nearly all the girls Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys--she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

When Bertha's father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she'll never forget.

Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong.

Review

I'm not a huge baseball fan.

To be honest, the only sports I watch are equestrian showjumping, downhill mountain biking, and supercross/motorcross. Maybe the occasional hockey when my Dad is cheering on the Flyers in the playoffs.

But you don't have to be an avid baseball follower to enjoy Susie Finkbeiner's The All-American. To borrow a game term, Susie knocked it out of the park for me!

The All-American follows two sisters as they navigate life during the 1950s. Bertha is an avid baseball player at a time when women players aren't always accepted in society, regardless of the fact that Bertha is often besting the boys on her team. She's the star player and can't help but dream of joining her favourite women's team, Workington Sweet Peas.  Her younger sister, Flossie, is a real hoot! She's dramatic, excitable, a huge bookworm, and downright hilarious. Their simple life is forever shaken when their Dad, a renown author, is accused of Communist activities.

This was just such a deeply engrossing, enjoyable read. I felt all the highs and lows along with Bertha and Flossie. Susie Finkbeiner does such an excellent job of fleshing out her characters, making them relatable, and bringing them to life. If you haven't read a masterpiece by Susie yet, you are sorely missing out! 

With a story that hits you in all the feels, I highly recommend The All-American!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.