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.

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.

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.

Adventurous / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Nostalgic

Alan Gratz

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Brooklyn Nine and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Brooklyn Nine Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Brooklyn Nine Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “First Inning: Play Ball - Manhattan, New York, 1845”

Part 1 The Brooklyn Nine Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Second Inning: The Red-Legged Devil - Northern Virginia, 1864” - Part 3: “Third Inning: A Ballad of the Republic - Brooklyn, New York, 1894”

Parts 2-3

The Brooklyn Nine Parts 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Fourth Inning: The Way Things Are Now - Coney Island, New York, 1908” - Part 5: “Fifth Inning: The Numbers Game - Brooklyn, New York, 1926”

Parts 4-5

The Brooklyn Nine Parts 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Sixth Inning: Notes of a Star to Be - Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1945” - Part 7: “Seventh Inning: Duck and Cover - Brooklyn, New York, 1957”

Parts 6-7

The Brooklyn Nine Parts 6-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “Eighth Inning: The Perfectionist - Brooklyn, New York, 1981” - Part 9: “Ninth Inning: Provenance - Brooklyn, New York, 2002”

The Brooklyn Nine

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Brooklyn Nine?

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Book Details