Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming true story of brothers and teammates.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BROTHERS AT BAT: THE TRUE STORY OF AN AMAZING ALL-BROTHER BASEBALL TEAM tells the story of the Acerra brothers, who played on a baseball team together as children and young adults. The story begins in the 1920s; the boys progress from backyard games to high school team sports, and then to semi-professional ball in 1938, when the oldest nine brothers formed a touring team. Along the way, the brothers display exemplary teamwork and good sportsmanship. In 1939, the Acerras appear at the World's Fair in New York, where they're honored as New Jersey's biggest family. Later, Albert Acerra is hit in the face with a pitch during a game and loses an eye. All of Albert's brothers work with him slowly until he acclimates to playing with his eye patch. Then, in the '40s, baseball play is interrupted when six of the Acerra brothers join the military. After World War II, all of the brothers return home safely and go on to play baseball for several more years, this time with one of the oldest brothers coaching. The Acerras play their last game as a team in 1952. They're honored as the longest-running all-brother team by the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. An author's note at the end of the book explains how author Audrey Vernick met two of the brothers and learned about their lives.
Is It Any Good?
Brothers at Bat is a charming, inspiring family history that will fascinate young baseball fans. The story and vintage-style illustrations of a dozen brothers sleeping two to a bed, forming a team, and going off to war together sets this unique story in its period, so history lovers will enjoy the book as well. Most important, the Acerras exemplify real "family values" of kindness, citizenship, and good sportsmanship, which will encourage youngsters to be kinder siblings and better teammates.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about team sports. What does it mean to be a "good sport"?
Brothers at Bat says that when the Acerra brothers were playing baseball, people thought sports were for boys. How can you tell that has changed by the end of the book?
Check out one of the movies from our list of the Best Baseball Movies for kids.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Steven Salerno
- Genre : Sports
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication date : April 3, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 4, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate