OLIVER’S GAME

The author of Zachary’s Ball (2000) offers another tale of baseball dreams passing from one generation to another, grafted to atmospheric pencil illustrations that recall Chris Van Allsburg’s early work. An old Cubs uniform that young Oliver finds in his grandpa’s closet brings out a previously unheard story, about how, back in 1941, a teenager’s stickball play on the street outside Wrigley Field had earned an invitation to try out with the professional team. But then the war came, and a wound changed the course of that young player’s life. Still, observing that, “the game of baseball is more than just the players on the field,” Grandpa gives Oliver the jersey to wear, and both repair to their rooftop—situated across the very same street—to watch a game over Wrigley’s outfield wall. An intimate, poignant episode for fans who revel in the game’s less tangible aspects. (Picture book. 7-9)