The Bat Boy & His Violin

The Bat Boy & His Violin by Gavin Curtis
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Published by Simon & Shuster (1998)
Coretta Scott King Award

The Bat Boy & His Violin takes place around the 1920s and 1930s during the time of the Negro National Baseball Leagues. Reginald, a young boy is a gifted violinist. He spends all his free time practicing in the house. His father is manager of the Dukes, the worst Negro team in the league. They need a bat boy, so his father selects Reginald to come be the bat boy of the Dukes. Reginald is not thrilled with the decision because he doesn't think he will have enough time to practice his violin. He begins as a bat boy and struggles at his duties. His father tells him to take a break and play his violin. As he plays his violin, the Dukes start to play better and end up winning their game. The Dukes credit their victory to Reginald and his violin. When they play their final game of the season against the best team of the league, they narrowly lose and Reginald feels bad he couldn't help them win. His father reassures him that his violin playing was a huge part of their success. He finally gets to perform in from of the team, family, and friends at his home; it was a recital to remember for Reginald.

While the story is fiction, it takes place in the historical framework of segregation. It would fit well into a history unit about segregation and baseball at that time in American history. It would give students a good view into the life of some people during that time. It also has a large music theme. Students who play the violin could easily understand Reginald's position. It could be a supporting book to a unit on Bud, Not Buddy also due to its music theme and historical placement.

The detailed water-color illustrations catch your eye. E.B. Lewis researched the time period in order to make his paintings most realistic. The language is a bit difficult for young readers.

The Coretta Scott King Award alone shows that this book represents the ideals of peace, non-violent social change, and brotherhood. This is a positive book to connect to our nation's past.

Curtis, G., & Lewis, E. B. (1998). The bat boy & his violin. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.