The Scar, by Charlotte Moundlic. Illustrated by Olivier Tallec.

The Scar

This is a picture book about a young child whose mother has recently gotten sick and died. The boy is terrified that he will forget his mother's smell, or even that he will forget her, entirely.
The adults in the story want to support him, but must also cope with their own sadness and devastation.
It's a comforting story that acknowledges the child's pain, and also offers the hope of being able to go on--but without sugar-coating anyone's grief.
The red and sometimes gray charcoal and watercolor illustrations work with the text in prioritizing the child and his feelings; the adults in the story are present but mostly out of sight, except for the immensely satisfying central double-page spread, in which the grandmother reassures her grandson, with her hand on his heart, that his mother (her daughter) is "in your heart, and she's not going anywhere."
I recommend The Scar as a deep and beautiful book for preschoolers who may need it.
K. Muhm
2011

Dad, Jackie, and Me, by Myron Uhlberg. Illustrated by Colin Bootman.

Dad, Jackie, and Me

Set in 1947 in Brooklyn, when the great Dodger Jackie Robinson was still being discriminated against, a young boy and his deaf father strengthen their relationship when they get caught up in the excitement of Dodger baseball. The discrimination the father experiences does not hinder his zest for life. The story culminates with a personal touch from the great first baseman. The watercolor illustrations and the endpapers showing actual newspaper articles and photos from the sports pages help the reader imagine life in the 1940's.

All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It! By Curtis Granderson

Written by the Yankee centerfielder, Curtis Granderson, this motivational book urges young readers to set goals for themselves as a means to succeed in life. Have fun, choose the right friends, play with passion, be a leader, value family, be yourself, listen and learn, think positive and never be satisfied are the values Curtis recommends. The first person, very readable text which describes Curtis' childhood experiences, is accompanied by photos of the author as a young boy. Appealing drawings by fourth grade youngsters illustrate what they want to be when they grow up. Readers will enjoy the colorful details and great variety in the children's work. This book will appeal to baseball fans, budding artists, youngsters looking for role models, and parents who want to transmit the values that Curtis is so passionate about. 2009
C. Buchanan

Center Field, by Robert Lipsyte

Life is far from simple for high-school junior Mike Semak. He’s worked hard and fully expects to be the starting centerfielder on the varsity baseball team. Then Oscar, a new, talented student appears, threatening Mike’s life-long dream. Mike’s subsequent frustration results in actions that lead to community service with the Cyber Club. Coach demands he spy on these students, suspecting they are hacking into the school network. Mystery and relationship subplots enhance the story as Mike wrestles with increasingly difficult moral choices. Is pleasing his controlling, paranoid coach worth compromising his integrity? A thoughtful, entertaining tale with first-rate baseball action and a likeable, conflicted hero. 2010
A. Basso