No Easy Way

The Story

It’s 1941— a legendary year in baseball. It’s the year that Red Sox slugger Ted Williams makes history! With just a doubleheader left to play and the whole world watching, Williams is on the verge of batting a record-breaking .400 for the entire season. Here is the exciting story of that spectacular year and the player who inspired the nation with a feat so amazing, no one has equaled it since.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

A Booklist Top 10 Sports Book For Youth

A Mass. Center for the Book Must Read

A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book

On the Bank Street College list of Best Children's Books of the Year

Reviews

Ted Williams was indeed one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. But his story proves that greatness does not come from talent alone; it comes from hard work, determination and passion.…“No Easy Way” is a good read-aloud book. The illustrations are full of period details that help bring the era to life and correspond well with the action-filled writing. Even those who are not baseball fans will appreciate this true story of accomplishment.—Krista Pedersen, Bay County (Michigan) Library System

Here’s a good antidote to recent doses of sports and steroids…Bowen’s object is to show determination in practice. Exercise, practice, repeat… This book passes the sports books litmus test: even though we know the ending, it’s exciting—Chicago Tribune

Ted Williams never flinched at hard work or a challenge.  In his last season with the Boston Red Sox, Williams had to decide if he wanted to take the chance and lose his rare .400 average or go to bat. Williams' decision creates a riveting read in this handsome and thoughtful look at one man's ethics and the times in which he lived.—Reading Rockets/PBS

Bowen's picture-book tribute introduces readers to a baseball great whose strong, smooth swing, eagle eye, and tireless work ethic accompanied him from an impoverished childhood to the major leagues.... This winning book should resonate with a wide audience.—School Library Journal