Baseball's Leading Lady: Effa Manley and the Rise and Fall of the Negro Leagues
on Goodreads (155)
What’s inside...
Andrea Williams's Baseball's Leading Lady tells the powerful true story of Effa Manley, the first and only woman inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The book explores her role as co-owner and business manager of the Newark Eagles in the Negro Leagues, her fight for Black empowerment, and the challenges she faced as calls for integration in baseball grew. Effa Manley's story is not only about her dedication to Black baseball but also about her struggle against the systemic barriers in the sport. For fans of Hidden Figures and Steve Sheinkin's Undefeated, this is the powerful true story of Effa Manley, the first and only woman in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Before Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, Negro Leagues Baseball was the only game in town for black athletes. And those leagues owed their existence and success to savvy businesspeople like Effa Manley, the black female co-owner of the Newark Eagles. Effa was the team's business manager, leading her team to win the Negro World Series in 1946. But this victory was bittersweet: Integration was on its way, and the demise of the Negro Leagues would soon follow. In this riveting nonfiction account, author Andrea Williams weaves the parallel stories of the segregated leagues with the tale of an inspiring woman who was at the center of it all.
Age
10-14
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Effa Manley
Larry Doby
Abe Manley
Discussion points
How do you think Effa Manley's leadership impacted the Negro Leagues and its players?
What challenges do you think Effa faced as a female executive in baseball?
Why is it important to remember and talk about the history of the Negro Leagues?
In what ways do you think sports can help bring people together?
What qualities do you admire most in Effa Manley, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reviewing Effa Manley’s major accomplishments together to provide context before diving into deeper discussion.
Encourage your child to think about the attributes that make a good leader, citing examples from Effa Manley's decisions and actions.
Relate the historical context of the Negro Leagues to current events to help your child see the relevance of history.
Ask your child how they would handle being in Effa’s shoes, which can help them connect more personally with her story.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights to reinforce their engagement and confidence in discussing complex topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Effa Manley's relentless efforts in managing the Negro Leagues baseball team showcase her determination in overcoming the challenges of her time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties in their own pursuits, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Equality and justice
Explanation: Through her activism, Effa Manley championed racial and gender equality, utilizing her platform to push for social change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stand up for fairness and to support equal rights for all people in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: As a team manager, Effa demonstrated strong leadership and responsibility, leading by example and making impactful decisions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these principles by taking on leadership roles in group projects or by being responsible in their tasks and interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of sports in societal change
Explanation: The book highlights how sports can be a catalyst for societal change and a platform to unite people.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and participate in sports not only for physical health but also as a way to connect with others and understand diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: Learning about the rise and fall of the Negro Leagues provides historical insights that are crucial for understanding today's social dynamics.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a deeper understanding of history and its impacts on current societal structures, promoting informed citizenship.