About This Book
Floyd Cooper's 'Willie and the All-Stars' transports young readers to 1934 Chicago, where a boy named Willie dreams of playing professional baseball. When he attends a historic game featuring the Negro League All-Stars, his aspirations are profoundly shaped and strengthened. This beautifully illustrated book gently introduces the historical context of the Negro Leagues and racial segregation, focusing on the talent, resilience, and inspiring power of these athletes. It's a wonderful story for discussing dreams, perseverance, and the importance of fairness and representation in sports and life.
In 1934 Chicago, Willie sees a game between the Negro League All-Star team and the Major League All-Stars, and realizes that his dream of becoming a professional baseball player could come true.
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
What is Willie's biggest dream? What are some of your biggest dreams?
2
Why was it so special for Willie to see the Negro League All-Stars play?
3
What does this story teach us about fairness and how people were treated in the past?
4
How do you think Willie felt watching the game? Have you ever felt that inspired by something?
5
What qualities do you think a great baseball player, or any person pursuing a dream, needs?
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