Just as Good

Like many fans, Homer and his father switch on the radio to listen to Doby’s big game, which JUST AS GOOD recreates play-by-play with Benny’s lush acrylics.
—The New York Times

A straightforward but nonetheless inspirational story of barriers being broken down, one slow step at a time.
—Publishers Weekly

Crowe’s story captures a slice of baseball life for a family enjoying the old-time radio play-by-play and seeing in Doby’s accomplishments a sign of better times to come. Benny’s full-page acrylic paintings are cheery and portray a comfortable home setting… A fine story about baseball that makes its point quietly and effectively.
—Kirkus Reviews

With an author’s note that fleshes out Doby’s historical significance, this nostalgic picture book frames Doby’s on-field heroics with a story of a father and son listening on the radio as Doby launches a game-winning home run in the World Series… A sage reminder that though the first step might be the hardest, the second is no less important.
—Booklist

A compelling look at one of the game’s trailblazers.
—School Library Journal

Baseball fans will enjoy this book with its oversized paintings of Doby in action.
—Library Media Connection

This wonderful picture book tells the simple story of a boy and his dad listening to that game on the radio in their kitchen and realizing that they were listening to history being made.
—Washington Post

Mike Benny depicts Homer’s wide-eyed excitement through luminous illustrations, while Crowe seamlessly weaves facts and stats from the actual game into the storyline.
—BookPage

The father-son relationship, a family’s pride and an almost forgotten moment in the civil rights struggle are recalled with an assist from rich acrylics that capture a pivotal moment.
—San Francisco Chronicle