Black Star

Kwame Alexander

Set during the turbulent segregation era, Kwame Alexander weaves a spellbinding story of struggle, determination and the unflappable faith of an American family.

Twelve-year old Charley is set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional baseball, even if that’s a lofty dream for a Black girl in the American South in the 1920s. Even so, her grandfather Kofi’s thrilling stories about courageous ancestors and epic journeys make it impossible not to dream big. She knows he has so much more to tell, but according to her parents, she isn’t old enough to know about certain things, like what happened to Booker Preston that one night in Great Bridge, and why she can never play on the brand-new baseball field on the other side of town.

When Charley challenges a neighbourhood bully to a game at the church picnic, she knows she can win, even with her ragtag team. Then a dispute on the field leads to Charley making a fateful decision, one that will bring consequences she never could have imagined.

Reviews

"Supremely satisfying and zings with confidence"
The Times, Children’s Book of the Week

"Following on from The Door of No Return (though it can also be read as a standalone), this superb 12+ verse novel demonstrates all Alexander’s characteristic power to move, shock and transport."
The Guardian

"Alexander skillfully builds on the strengths of the first installment in portraying a strong sense of community and family, often in the face of capricious violence...The presence of real-life historical figures and events helps capture the tenor of life in segregated Virginia, while the beautifully flowing poetry contributes to the book’s engaging qualities. A powerful and thoroughly satisfying blend of sports, history, family saga, and self-discovery"
starred review - Kirkus

"Set in the segregation-era American South, this outstanding novel-in-verse shares an emotionally charged story of struggle, courage, family and faith."
LoveReading4Kids

"Alexander weaves a spellbinding story of struggle and determination during the racist laws of the Jim Crow era in the US"
The Bookseller, Buyer's Guide