The Babe & I

A young boy in 1932 discovers his unemployed father secretly selling apples on the streets of New York City during the Great Depression. To help support his family, the boy begins selling newspapers near Yankee Stadium, where he encounters baseball legend Babe Ruth. The story follows the boy's experiences as a newspaper seller, his growing connection to baseball, and his relationship with his proud but struggling father. The backdrop of Depression-era New York City and America's favorite pastime intertwine as the protagonist navigates challenging times. The narrative chronicles actual historical events from Babe Ruth's career, including his famous "Called Shot" during the 1932 World Series. Period illustrations and authentic details transport readers to this defining era in American history. This book explores themes of family pride, economic hardship, and the unifying power of baseball during one of America's most difficult periods. Through a child's perspective, the story captures both the struggles and resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.

Readers find this Depression-era baseball story effective at teaching children about both Yankees history and economic hardships of the 1930s. The book holds a 4.2/5 rating on Goodreads and 4.7/5 on Amazon across 50+ reviews. Parents note the book successfully opens discussions about financial struggles, family responsibilities, and working together. Several teachers mention using it to supplement history lessons about the Great Depression. Multiple reviews highlight David Adler's balanced portrayal of Babe Ruth - showing both his baseball prowess and his interactions with common people. The watercolor illustrations by Terry Widener receive consistent praise for capturing the period's atmosphere. Some readers point out the story moves slowly in parts and contains advanced vocabulary that may challenge younger readers. A few reviewers mention wanting more baseball action and less focus on newspaper selling. Common feedback suggests the book works best for ages 7-10 when accompanied by adult discussion about the historical context.

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki A young Japanese American boy finds strength through baseball while living in an internment camp during World War II.

Six Days in October by Karen Blumenthal This narrative chronicles the stock market crash of 1929 through the stories of real people who lived through the economic collapse.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse A girl in Depression-era Oklahoma faces family hardship and dust storms while pursuing her dream of playing the piano.

Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse The son of Russian immigrants helps his family's penny candy business in 1903 Brooklyn while dreaming of owning a bicycle.

The Blue Star by Emily Gray Tedrowe Two families navigate life in New York City during the Great Depression through their connection to the Yankees baseball team.

🌟 During the Great Depression, when this book is set, many children helped support their families by selling newspapers like the main character does - some earning as little as two cents per paper. ⚾ Babe Ruth, who appears throughout the story, really did visit children's hospitals and orphanages during the Depression, often bringing signed baseballs and staying to talk with the kids. 📚 Author David A. Adler taught math for nine years in the New York City school system before becoming a full-time writer, and has written over 300 children's books. 🗞️ The setting of children selling newspapers outside Yankee Stadium is historically accurate - "newsies" were a common sight there during the 1930s, especially during baseball season. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Terry Widener, is known for his distinctive style that captures the nostalgic feel of baseball's golden age, and has illustrated several other acclaimed sports-themed children's books.