Across the Alley

As previously mentioned, I am currently suffering not only from children's book withdrawals, but also from a temporary budget freeze stopping newly selected titles from being ordered. I have carts sitting in Baker and Taylor waiting for processing and desparately hope they will be released in a few weeks. In the meantime, I am going through the books chosen for the spring semester Mock Caldecott award session in a children's literature class. Today, I started looking more closely at my selections. Even though they were hastily grabbed as the new book shelf was cleared before the holiday break, I am finding several really lovely titles (both art and story) to review for the resource center book review blog. Today's installment is Across the Alley by Richard Michelson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis. I am not familiar with Michelson's work, but have purchased several of Lewis's books for the library juvenile collection including The Bat Boy and his Violin, Night Boat to Freedom, and Coming on Home Soon.

Across the Alley is a poignant story of friendship between two young boys, one Jewish and white, the other African American, highlights this tale set during a time when racial discrimination is prevalent. Willie and Abe live across the alley from each other. Unable to be friends during the day, they talk nightly through their windows, sharing secrets, hopes, and dreams. Willie, whose father once played Negro League baseball, knows how to pitch, teaches Abe to throw a splitter. Abe, who’s Grandpa was a premier violinist, shares the violin with Willie. The boy’s individual talents shine, revealing it is Willie who has an aptitude for the violin and Abe who shows promise with pitching. Soon Willie is invited to play his violin at Synagogue and Abe pitches in a baseball game. Beautifully rendered watercolor illustrations highlight a touching story of friendship without racial boundaries. Grades 1 - 4

Tags: Richard Michelson, E. B. Lewis, Across the Alley, Juvenile books, Juvenile Fiction