Carol E. Lynch (Children's Literature)
As Tiger Woods grows increasingly popular among children, it is easy to assume that golf is a "color-free" sport. However, it has only been within the past 40 years that African Americans were permitted to play in professional golf tournaments. In Night Golf, Miller tells the story of a young boy who overcomes racial barriers so that he can realize his dream of golfing. This involves the rigorous work of caddying and facing with humiliation with dignity. The only way he manages to stick with his dream is to accept the kind guidance of an older caddy who shares the secret of "night golf." By practicing on the course in the darkness of night, James builds the skills and confidence he needs to show the other players his talent. Historical information before and after the story provide the necessary context for readers. 1999, Lee and Low Books, $15.95. Ages 8 to 11.

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2000)
An author's note indicates that "not long ago, professional golf could only be played by white golfers" and that in most parts of the U.S., African Americans were denied the right to play even at public golf courses even though some became caddies. In some places, African American golfers perfected their stokes by practicing on the greens in the moonlight. The story involves young James who finds a golf bag in the trash. Although he's not allowed to be a play or work as a caddy at the town's golf course, he's befriended by a brown-skinned caddy there who recalls his own personal history with golf. The two meet at night so that James can begin learning the game. James stuns some inept white golfers with his skill. As coincidental and unlikely as the story seems to be, an important aspect of African American sports history is spotlighted and Tiger Woods' current achievements move into a new perspective. Lucas's pastel and colored pencil artwork do what it takes to illustrate moonlit scenes. A chronology of African Americans in Golf dated from 1899 to 1997 appears on the final page. CCBC categories: Picture Books for Older Children. 1999, Lee & Low Books, 32 pages, $15.95. Ages 5-8.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1999)
Miller and Lucas (Frederick Douglass, 1996) gracefully light up an obscure comer of sports history with this tale of a young African-American finding his way around a racial barrier. Although a rusty old club from the trash kindles James's talent and enthusiasm for golf, he is allowed onto a real course only as a caddy; then an understanding older caddy invites him to come back after the sun goes down. Painting in an impressionistic style, Lucas poses still, slightly indistinct figures at arms' length, for a sedate look that may distance viewers but is not out of keeping with the sport's nature and pace. James's experience parallels that of more than one player who went on to play at the professional level; commemorating all golfers who honed their skills by moonlight, Miller adds both a historical note and a timeline to his story. 1999, Lee & Low, $15.95. © 1999 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

J. Matott (Parent Council Volume 7)
This book is based on true stories of African Americans who could only play golf at night in the segregated 1950s. This is the story of one young boy who had a passion for the game and who learned from another African American caddie to play golf by moonlight. The young boy overcomes prejudice and proves himself worthy to play anywhere, anytime. Included in brief are facts concerning the chronology of the last major sport in America to become integrated. Illustrated with wonderful pastel and colored pencil renderings, this is an interesting and heartwarming book. 1999, Lee & Low Books, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 1999)
Young James finds an old rusted golf club and starts practicing in an empty field, but his father tells him there is no room for a black man in golf in the 1950s. Undeterred, James gets a job as a caddy, and mentored by an older black man, he learns to play by the light of the moon. When his great skill is revealed one day, the white golfers start asking James for lessons. Gentle pastel and pencil illustrations support this quietly powerful story. Category: Younger Fiction. 1999, Lee, 32pp, $15.95. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.