Arts

Jackie Mitchell's father told her she could accomplish anything, including playing baseball. The message sunk in. During an exhibition game in Tennessee, the 17-year-old southpaw struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Read an excerpt from this recommendation for young readers.

The author draws on primary sources for this nonfiction book recommended by Washington Post columnist John Kelly, evocatively describing the medical missteps and political infighting that characterized an outbreak of yellow fever in 1793.

Reviewer John Kelly recommends this title for readers in first through third grades, the story of a real dog who lived in Tokyo and faithfully waited for his master at the train station, even when the owner could not come to meet him.

Tech guru Omar Wasow of Blackplanet.com offers up gift ideas for the tech geek in your life. Wasow follows up last week's suggestions for the technophobe in your life.