Sandler, Martin W. Baseball’s Shining Season: America’s Pasttime on the Brink of War. Addl. Creator Craig Sandler. Bloomsbury, 04/2026. 184pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-1-54760-797-6. GRADES 5–12. OUTSTANDING.
As the United States anticipated and dreaded the likely event of entering World War II, many people focused their attention on the 1941 professional baseball season as a distraction. The narrative does a great job of balancing the detailed descriptions of baseball news, such as the records set by Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, with what was going on in the rest of the world (which was already at war). Social changes that take place are also discussed, including the achievements of both the Negro Leagues and women baseball players. There are photos (often large) or sidebars every other page which will help this interesting book attract a wide age range. By putting the history of baseball during this era in context with the war, readers will get an accurate picture of American culture during this critical time. Back matter includes an index, source notes, and list of further reading.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool