Brothers at Bat - by Audrey Vernick (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"A wonderful illustration of what a great game baseball is and how it brings families together. Brothers at Bat is a story any baseball fan will enjoy and one that we all should know." --Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr.

"A captivating story, impeccable layout, and glorious illustrations make this historical account an unqualified winner." --New York Times Book Review

The amazing true story of the longest-running all-brother team in history! Full of action, drama, and excitement, the never-before-told tale of the Hall of Fame team is vividly brought to life in expert storytelling and stunning vintage-style art.

The Acerra family had sixteen children, including twelve ball-playing boys. It was the 1930s, and many families had lots of kids. But only one had enough to field a baseball team . . . with three on the bench! They loved the game, but more important, they cared for and supported each other and stayed together as a team. Nothing life threw their way--not even a World War--could stop them.

Review Quotes

"I was lucky to play in the big leagues with my brother as a teammate and my dad as our manager. It was a very special time. The story of the Acerra brothers brought those memories back. It is a wonderful illustration of what a great game baseball is and how it brings families together on many different levels. Brothers at Bat is a story any baseball fan will enjoy and one that we all should know." - Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr.

"A captivating story, impeccable layout, and glorious illustrations make this historical account an unqualified winner." - New York Times Book Review

"With a sense of humor, Audrey Vernick tells the true-life story of the 12 Acerra boys of Long Branch, NJ, who formed a team coached by their dad." - USA Today

"This story of a real American family whose bond was the game is brought to vivid life through illustrations." - Horn Book Magazine

"For those who love baseball, history and family stories, this book hits a home run."-- - Shelf Awareness *starred review*

"Striking black crayon, gouache and watercolor paintings enhanced with digital color provide a solid backup to the tightly written narrative. A very pleasing slice of American history." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

A NewYork Times Notable Book for 2012

A 2012 Booklist Editor's Choice - Booklist

"A remarkable story." - Wall Street Journal

"A lively story about family loyalty and love of the game, pulled from the sidelines of baseball history." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A delight not to miss." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"[A] story of brotherly--and baseball--love." - Booklist (starred review)

"Vernick's wry and rousing narration is perfectly matched by Salerno's mixed-media pictures."-- - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, *starred review*

"Employing descriptive, conversational language in a matter-of-fact tone that doesn't sentimentalize, Vernick tells of a remarkable family . . . Salerno's lively drawings, rendered in black crayon, gouache, watercolor and pastel with digital color added, complement the action, striking a balance between detail and expansiveness.A family's love and devotion to each other and to the game of baseball, depicted lovingly." - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Audrey Vernick is the author of several picture books as well as the middle grade novel Water Balloon. She lives in Ocean, New Jersey. Please visit her at www.audreyvernick.com.

Steven Salerno has illustrated many picture books, several of which he wrote. This is his first about baseball. He lives in New York City. Visit him at www.stevensalerno.com.