Girls can play baseball, too -- and here are some children's books about girls in history and fiction who've played the All-American game.
1. Girl Wonder : A Baseball Story in Nine Innings
By Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Terry Widener. For ages 4-8. Tells the story of Alta Weiss, who pitched for a (men's) semipro team, told from Weiss' point of view. Includes a time line of women's participation in baseball.
2. Dirt on Their Skirts: Story of the Young Women Who Won the World Championship
By Doreen Rappaport and Lyndall Callan, illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Ages 4-8. A young girl watches a 1946 baseball game between the Racine Belles and the Rockford Peaches. Book includes, after the story, some background on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.3. The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth
By Jean L. S. Patrick, illustrated by Jeni Reeves. Ages 4-8. In 1931, 17-year-old Jackie Mitchell pitched against the New York Yankees, striking out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. But her contract was cancelled because baseball was "too tough" for women. Here's her story, told in language a child can understand.4. Mighty Jackie : The Strike-Out Queen
By Marissa Moss, illustrated by C. F. Payne. Another version of the story of Jackie Mitchell, who struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game during her short time with the otherwise-all-male Chattanooga Lookouts.5. A Whole New Ball Game: The Story of the All-American Girls Professional ...
Baseball League. By Sue Macy. Ages 9-12. The story of the women's baseball league, active during World War II when many of the male major leaguers were off to war. A frank and honest portrayal of the world of women's baseball -- not only its inspirational drama, but also some of the troubles the women players had both during the league's existence and then afterwards as they sunk into obscurity -- but ultimately a fun and motivating story.6. Mama Played Baseball
By David A. Adler, illustrated by Chris O'Brien. Ages 4-8. This version of a child's-eye-view of the All-American Girls Professional League is told from the perspective of Amy, whose mother is on one oof the teams. The illustrations manage to capture the 1940s spirit while remaining modern enough to please a child.