Let Them Play

Segregated Charleston, SC, 1955: There are 62 official Little League programs in South Carolina -- all but one of the leagues is composed entirely of white players. The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars, an all-black team, is formed in the hopes of playing in the state's annual Little League Tournament. What should have been a time of enjoyment, however, turns sour when all of the other leagues refuse to play against them and even pull out of the program. As the only remaining Little League team in the state, Cannon Street was named state winner by default, giving the boys a legitimate spot in the Little League Baseball World Series held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While the Cannon Street team is invited to the game as guests, they are not allowed to participate since they have not officially played and won their state's tournament. Let Them Play takes its name from the chant shouted by the spectators who attended the World Series final. Author Margot Theis Raven recounts the inspiring tales of the Cannon Street All-Stars as they arrived in Williamsport, PA and never got the chance to play for the title thanks to the bigotry and ignorance of the South Carolina teams. Winning by forfeit, the Cannon Streeters were subsequently not allowed to participate in Williamsburg because they had not played their way into the tournament. Let Them Play is an important civil rights story in American history with an even more important message about equality and tolerance. It's a tale of humanity against the backdrop of America's favorite pastime that's sure to please fans of the sport and mankind. This summer will mark the 50th year since the fans' shouts of Let Them Play fell on deaf ears and 14 boys learned a cruel lesson in backwards politics and prejudice. This book can help teach us a new lesson and assure something like this never happens again.

Author: Margot Theis Raven
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Published: 08/01/2005
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 11.52h x 9.38w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9781585362608
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 101491 / Let Them Play


Award: Independent Publisher Book Awards - Honorable Mention
Award: Golden Sower Award - Nominee
Award: William Allen White Childens Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 11/01/2005 pg. 120
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2006 pg. 282 - Recommended
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2006 pg. 159 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw