The Shot Heard ‘Round the World by: Phil Bildner and illustrated by: C.F. Payne

Ages: 5-8

An unnamed young narrator looks back on the summer of 1951. His Brooklyn Dodgers appear to be headed toward the World Series. Then, the New York Yankees go on a winning streak, forcing a playoff between the Dodgers and Yankees to determine who would play the Yankees in the World Series. The playoff would consist of three games – the best of three would move on. On October 3, 1951, The Dodgers faced the Giants for the third, tie-breaking game. Who will win this critical game? Find out in The Shot Heard ‘Round the World.

The Shot Heard ‘Round the World is a great children’s book about the historical game in 1951. There is quiet a bit of text in this book, but it is very detailed and captures the excitement of the 1951 baseball season. The illustrations go along great with the text. Both capture the setting and the emotions felt by baseball fans. Readers will learn many facts about Dodgers baseball in the 1950s. They will learn names of some famous baseball players, the name of the stadium, and see images of landmarks in Brooklyn. A great feature of the book is 4 historical pictures of “the shot heard ‘round the world” on the back of the dust jacket. It will be fun for readers to see actual pictures from this historical event. Baseball fans will be sure to enjoy this book. Fans who lived during the 1950s will find this book wonderful to relive the events of the exciting baseball season. The Shot Heard ‘Round the World is a wonderful historical baseball book will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.