OUT OF THE BALLPARK

Another celebrity offering, but not nearly so bad as it might be. The New York Yankees’ A-Rod tells a fictionalized story of a boy named Alex whose team, the Caribes, reaches the playoffs despite the fact that “the harder he tried, the worse he played.” But he gets his friend J.D. up at 5 am to practice before school and plays catch against the bedroom wall—500 times, and if he misses, he starts over. With his family in the stands, Alex wins the next big game for the Caribes, owing it all to practice and teamwork. A note from Rodriguez and photos of the real J.D. and A-Rod’s family, along with the standard exhortations, close it out. Morrison’s rubbery, exaggerated figures with their vintage, old-fashioned picture book colors are a pleasure to look at and will engage youngsters who might chafe a bit when the story turns too preachy. Adult readers will find the insight into A-Rod’s complex character rather more engaging. (author’s note, photographs) (Picture book. 5-9)