A team of young ballplayers, who have the will but not necessarily the talent, can save the town’s legendary baseball field from developers by winning one crucial game. Tom, a sensitive youngster who wants to be a writer, loves his town, the surrounding countryside, and that special ballpark. He records the ensuing events in his journal and, in a nice twist, ends by writing the opening paragraph. The mysterious, wise Cruz de Cruz, the stranger riding in from nowhere, is the catalyst, à la Spinelli’s Maniac McGee, for the changes that affect the entire town. Dante Del Gato, a reclusive former ballplayer who appears to have found the secret of perfect hitting, agrees to help. Throw in some physics, ecology, astronomy, and extraordinary, eccentric coaching and guess who wins the big game. This is more than a baseball story; each character has a distinct personality with interests, strengths, and weaknesses that are accepted and admired. A fast-paced, sweet-natured tale for more than just fans. (Fiction. 10-13)
Pub Date: May 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-399-23622-8
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2003
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An entry in the Headliners series, this is a straightforward presentation on the recent strike with chapters on the history of the game and labor unrest as well as speculation about baseball's future. Simply presented, without taking sides, Layden's discussion is clear and easy to follow. The design—which includes full-color and black-and-white photographs—is appealing, with interesting sidebars on peripheral subjects, e.g., antitrust laws, the vendors who were put out of work by the strike, etc. This volume lays the groundwork for what is certain to be a popular report topic. (chronology, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-13).
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1995
ISBN: 1-56294-930-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1995
Drawing on memories of a childhood when kids summered at the shore or in the woods, the authors describe crafts, games, nature studies, and camping activities in a book published in Canada as The Kids Cottage Book (1993). While making an ant farm or building a bird feeder are doable anywhere, many other activities here are less possible for urban children, few of whom have access to 32- foot pine trees to chop down for flag poles or six sealed barrels to use in a raft. Some warnings, too, seem insufficient (``If you see a rattlesnake or other poisonous snake, stay away from it''). Allison's The Sierra Club Summer Book (1977) will be more useful in the city; but this is a treasure trove for country kids, as well as a fine bit of nostalgia for other children and their parents to share. Soft pencil diagrams and drawings show a mix of children, including the physically challenged. Index. (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: May 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-395-68711-X
Page Count: 208
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1994
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