49 pages 1 hour read

Alan Gratz

The Brooklyn Nine

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Brooklyn Nine: A Novel in Nine Innings by Alan Gratz tells the story of nine generations of the Schneider family from 1845 to 2002. Each generation faces unique challenges, with baseball serving as a connecting thread throughout their lives. From a stowaway in New York, a Civil War soldier, to a professional female baseball player during World War II, the family’s legacy is intertwined with American history and baseball’s evolution. Racism, alcohol abuse, and war injuries are depicted.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Alan Gratz's The Brooklyn Nine intertwines nine generations of a single family's history with America's pastime, baseball. Critics appreciate its compelling storytelling and rich historical context, though some find the numerous characters and timelines occasionally confusing. Overall, the book is praised for its engaging narrative and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Brooklyn Nine?

Fans of Baseball in April by Gary Soto or We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson will enjoy The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz. This compelling novel targets readers aged 9-12 who appreciate historical fiction with intertwining stories that span generations, all centered around America's favorite pastime—baseball.

RecommendedReading Age

9-12years

Lexile Level

840L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Realistic Fiction

Topics

Sports

History: World

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Courage