Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Baseball Roundup for Kids


Cover art for BEST OF THE BEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 11, 2011

"Ethics in sports lifts this above the usual sports saga. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Another episode in the life of 12-year-old baseball phenom Josh LeBlanc, introduced in Baseball Great (2009). Read full book review >
Cover art for FANTASY BASEBALL
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011

"But the relatively few fine baseball moments are surrounded by what seems like stuffing right out of the Patchwork Girl, while the meaning of Alex's sojourn in Ever After is obscured by the crowd. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Baseball enthusiast Alex finds himself thrust abruptly into the midst of an otherworldly baseball series in which his team, the Cyclones, includes pitcher Dorothy Gale, Tik-Tok, Br'er Rabbit and Toad of Toad Hall. Read full book review >
Cover art for PLAY BALL, JACKIE!
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Joe Morse

"A worthy homage to a baseball legend. (author's note, photos, bibliography) (Picture book. 7-10)"
Matty and his father, avid Dodgers fans, are in the stands for the first game of the 1947 baseball season. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIPMAN PIKE
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Zachary Pullen

"An insight into baseball and America that is at once historical and timeless. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-10)"
Lipman Pike played "Base" every chance he could get in his Brooklyn neighborhood. Read full book review >
Cover art for HAMMERIN' HANK GREENBERG
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011

"The result is a multilayered portrait of a man who was content being remembered as a great Jewish ballplayer. (source notes, bibliography, resources) (Biography. 10-14)"
Hank Greenberg was an anomaly who challenged the stereotypes of his era. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE UNFORGETTABLE SEASON
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2011
by Phil Bildner, illustrated by S.D. Schindler

"Batter up! (Picture book. 6-12)"
One of the joys of baseball is its intergenerational appeal. Read full book review >