Summary: Here’s a story that seems almost impossible to believe, but yet it is a true story about an American family. The Acerra family had 16 children. Twelve were boys, just enough to field a baseball team! This was the 1930s, and times were tough, but they stuck together as a family. They had one passion: baseball! It brought them a lot of joy and a lot of fun! And they were really good players! In 1938, the brothers ranged in age from seven to thirty-two. The oldest nine brothers formed a semi-pro team! They played around on the East Coast and the always drew a crowd! In the 1940s six of the brothers went to war, but they all came back and played in a baseball league another six years. They played their last game in 1952.
What I liked about it: It’s a positive story about a family working together. Salerno’s illustrations have a retro feel from the period from the 40s and 50s that match the time period perfectly. Author and Illustrator add historical detail on the last page.
Who would like it: The picture book format would suggest a younger audience: K-3rd grade, but anyone would enjoy this all-American story. Highly recommended.