New Book Highlights African American History and Injustice of Segregated Baseball

Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio-written by Robert Skead, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, and published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group-takes readers back to 1936 when the New York Yankees wanted to test a hot prospect named Joe DiMaggio to see if he was ready for the big leagues. They knew just the ballplayer to put Joe to the test-Satchel Paige, the best pitcher anywhere, black or white.

For the game, Paige joined a group of amateur African American players, and they faced off against a team of white major leaguers plus young DiMaggio. The odds were stacked against the less-experienced black team. But Paige's skillful batting and amazing pitching-with his "trouble ball" and "bat dodger"- kept the game close.

With stunning illustrations from Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and an exciting and historical narrative, Something to Provewill captivate readers. Will the rookie DiMaggio prove himself as a major league player? Or will Paige once again prove his greatness-and the inequality of segregated baseball?

Visit www.lernerbooks.com for free downloads.

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Robert Skead is the author of several books for young readers, but Something to Proveis his first picture book. Skead has been a Yankees fan since he could swing a bat, and his love for the game deepened as he researched this story and learned more about Satchel Paige, barnstorming baseball games, and earning respect. Visit Rob online at www.robertskead.com.