Across the Alley

A beautiful blend of story and art. (Picture book. 5-8)

K-Gr 3The poignancy of two boys who can be friends only at night is revealed brilliantly in both text and rich watercolor art. Willies dad, a starter in the Negro leagues, expects that his son will pitch in the majors. Abes Jewish grandfather, a violinist in the old country before World War II, is sure that his grandson will be the next Jascha Heifetz. What neither man knows is that the boys have been sharing their talents across the alley at night. When Abes grandfather discovers that its Willies beautiful music he has been hearing, he invites him to perform at the temple. As Willies dad, Abes grandfather, and the two boys walk there, people stare at them, and Willies dad says, Ignorance comes in as many colors as talent. Nobody wants to sit by Willie and his father in the temple, but the boy is as victorious at the recital as Abe is at the baseball game later that afternoon. Best of all, supported by their loving families, the expectation is that they now can be friends in the light. With lovely art that captures the joy both boys feel about their respective talents, this endearing picture book offers a compelling message about overcoming prejudice."Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH" Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.