Kaia Alderson writes historical fiction inspired by real people. Her sophomore effort, In a League of Her Own (2024), tells the fictionalized story of powerhouse Effa Manley. In 1930s Harlem, independent Effa works hard toward her dream of opening a hat shop. A chance meeting at a baseball game brings Abe Manley into her life. After their marriage, Effa connects with other strong women in high society, joining their efforts to advocate for Black women. When Abe buys a Negro League baseball team, he did the ‘fun’ things like traveling with the team, while Effa handled all of the behind the scenes work.
A fascinating look at a female leader, a flawed human, and her relationships and accomplishments. Effa Manley was the first woman inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (awarded posthumously in 2006).