The 2004 Jane Addams Children's Book Award

Summary: Alta Weiss has an arm that defies her small Ohio town's expectations. At seventeen, she sets her sights on joining the semipro team, the Independents. Despite her long skirts and the coach's doubts, Alta is determined to prove that girls can play baseball. Will she overcome the barriers and show her true potential on the field? Alta's journey is a testament to breaking boundaries and challenging norms, leaving everyone wondering if she can change the game forever.

Summary: In 1955 Mississippi, the murder of Emmett Till, a black teenager, becomes a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Chris Crowe delves into the harrowing events surrounding Till's death and the trial that followed, revealing the deep-seated racial tensions and injustices of the era. As new details emerge, the book offers a profound look at how one tragic event spurred a national awakening. What truths lie beneath the surface of this American tragedy, and how did it shape the fight for equality?