Topic: Sports

Beanball

It’s the bottom of the last inning of a game between rival high school teams Oak Grove and Compton. Oak Grove is at bat, and the stage is set for star center fielder Luke “Wizard” Wallace to drive in the winning run, save the game, and be the hero. But instead, he’s hit by a beanball—a wild pitch that shatters his skull and destroys the vision in his left eye. 

The events surrounding Luke’s life-changing moment are presented through free-verse monologues by 28 different voices. Each monologue helps move the story’s plot forward and gives insight into how others are affected by Luke’s injuries. For example, Compton’s coach doesn’t have any remorse for telling his pitcher to throw close on the inside so Luke had to move back. The coach’s callous attitude highlights how some coaches only care about winning at any cost. Likewise, the girl that Luke had been dating comes across as self-centered and uncaring—she quickly abandons Luke because she’s more concerned with who to go to prom with. 

As Luke recovers, many people surround him with love. Adding Luke’s friends’ and family’s monologues gives the story more depth but also creates suspense. It is through their eyes that readers come to understand how close to death Luke came and how far he will have to go to recover. Luke’s coach and a long-time fan of Oak Grove’s team are also included, which allows readers to understand how sports have played a part in shaping Luke.  

After being hit in the head by the beanball, Luke is visually impaired and he mostly likely won’t be able to play sports again. This causes Luke great anguish, and he gets tired of people telling him he’s lucky to be alive. He thinks that without sports, he won’t have a full and happy life. Luke thinks, “Doesn’t anybody know there’s a big difference /between alive and living?” However, the conclusion ends on a hopeful note because Luke decides not to give up sports without a fight.    

Beanball is a fast-paced story that will leave readers empathizing with both Luke and the boy who accidentally threw the beanball. While much of the book deals with Luke’s injury, these intense scenes give readers a wide view of how Luke’s injury affects everyone around him, including the other players, his classmates, the umpire, and Luke’s friends and family. By including 28 different voices, Luke’s story shows you how one high school boy’s injuries impacted his entire community. By using verse, Fehler creates an engaging story that speeds along at a steady pace and is hard to put down. 

Sexual Content  

  • Luke’s best friend, Andy, had a dream that he was “Making out with Lisalette Dobbs.” Luke replies, “The chances of you starting at third and of us winning State are better than the chances of you making out with Lisalette.”  
  • After the game between Oak Grove, a Compton player goes to his girlfriend’s house, but complains, “We didn’t even have a chance to make out.”

Violence  

  • During a game, Luke is hit in the face with a beanball. The umpire thinks, “It’s the worst sound I’ve ever heard in all my years of umping. /Oh, I’ve heard plenty of pitches hit a helmet. /But this . . . this fastball, up and in. /This one hit bone, right in the face. /Not even a scream or grunt from the kid. /He went down like he was shot.”  
  • After Luke is hit with a beanball, the umpire sees “Blood. Lots of it. It looks like Luke’s dead.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • While in the hospital, Luke is given pills to help him sleep.  

Language  

  • By God and oh my God are used as exclamations occasionally.  
  • The umpire says “Jesus” after Luke is hit with a ball.  
  • Profanity is used sparingly. Profanity includes crap, damn, hell, pissed. 
  • Luke believes he’s partly to blame for his injury. He thinks he made a “bonehead decision” when he “was leaning in, expecting an outside pitch.”  

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • When Luke is rushed to the hospital, his coach thinks, “All we can do is wait. And pray.” When he finds out that Luke is alive, the coach thanks the Lord. 
  • Luke’s father prays that Luke doesn’t die. He says, “Please, God. /Please.”  
  • When Luke’s nurse describes his “disfigured” face, she’s upset because she knows Luke’s family from church. 
  • When Luke is finally able to talk, his mom thinks, “Thank the Lord.” She had been praying that Luke would live, but after “three days of prayer, /[she was] never certain if God was even listening.” 
  • While Luke is recovering in the hospital, his mom thinks, “I feel like a hypocrite, Lord /Forgive these thoughts I’ve been having. /It’s just that suddenly I have a hard time believing /the lessons I’ve preached /to my Sunday school classes all these years. . . I know I don’t deserve to ask You to heal Luke. /But Luke’s deserving. He is. /I’m begging You: Please help him.” The prayer takes one page.  
  • When the doctor tells Luke’s mom that Luke will be visually impaired but can have a normal life, she thinks, “Maybe God really was listening.” 
  • When Luke comes home, his mom praises the Lord. 

Kneel

Football is everything to Russell Boudreaux. It’s his talent, his community, and his ticket to a Division I scholarship, where he’ll earn enough money to be set for life. Entering his senior year and final football season, Rus knows his future depends on a successful season. As the captain of the Jackson Jackals, his primary goal is to defeat his school’s rival, Westmond, and lead his team to a championship. However, everything quickly goes wrong. 

When the Jackals’ quarterback, Marion LaSalle, gets arrested for a crime he didn’t do, Rus suddenly becomes entangled in a battle against racism and discrimination. With the help of his teammates and childhood friend, Gabby Dupre, Rus embarks on a mission to give voice to the Black community and promote justice for the town of Monroe. Yet, with every newsworthy action, Rus risks placing himself—and his football future—in jeopardy. Will Rus achieve justice for the Jackson Jackals and Monroe? Or will his political activism cost him his season and his future? 

Rus is the story’s exciting main protagonist, and he strives to stand up for what is right. As a young black man, he sees the tension between the white and black communities of his town, and he desires justice for the racist attacks on the past and present black population. Despite being told to focus solely on football and ignore the blatant acts of inequality, Rus chooses to risk his life to shed light on his town’s issues. His courage and dedication to raising his voice are admirable, and his fearlessness in exposing the town’s discrimination through the newspaper should set an example and encourage readers to stand up and fight for what’s right in their own lives. 

The story’s enjoyable nature stems from Rus and his supporting characters. From the start, these characters help readers become invested in the plot by portraying actions and emotions that feel authentic and genuine. Whether it’s Gabby’s ambition to promote justice, Ms. Jabbar’s passion to discover truth, or Marion’s fortitude to succeed on the football field, readers can connect with these characters through shared human experience. Although some readers may not experience this type of overt discrimination, they can relate to the presence of difficult and frustrating circumstances in life. 

The story’s main conflict arises from Rus’s inability to balance football and political activism. Through these struggles, Rus’s resolution to “stand up for his people . . . despite people wanting to see [him] fail” highlights the book’s message about assertiveness: the ability to express one’s opinions and stand firm in one’s values. While this lesson can inspire readers to stand up against inequality in their own lives, the conclusion to the story’s problems can come across as idealistically hopeful or something achieved only in a perfect world. In addition, because the story centers around the theme of justice and equality, there are fewer action-packed football scenes in it compared to other sports stories. 

In conclusion, Kneel explores the themes of inequality, injustice, and self-expression through the journey of a promising black football star in Louisiana. Of course, the story does feature some heavy topics, like the impacts of modern-day racism, and its prolific use of offensive language and references to alcohol can be unwelcoming. However, the story’s strength comes from its applicable message that will stay with readers long after they put the book down. While football doesn’t play a major role in the story, Kneel will inspire readers to stand up for their beliefs despite their challenges. 

Sexual Content 

  • Rus’s friend, Marion, refers to sex by saying “smashed” and “the birds and the bees.” 
  • During lunch, Gabby and Rus’s “arms occasionally [brush] against each other.” Rus believes the “closeness felt natural, even though Gabby shied away every time it happened.” 
  • When Rus and Gabby sit next to each other, Rus notices that Gabby “scooted her hand next to mine. Her pinky finger grazed my skin.” 
  • Marion believes that Rus “blowing off steam” means he’s “off banging Gabby.” 
  • At one point, Gabby grabs Rus’s hand, and Rus says, “I like the hand-holding. I’d like to do other things too, but I was willing to move at Gabby’s pace.” 
  • On the porch of his house, Rus kisses Gabby. “His lips pressed into hers. A blend of emotions collided as we kissed—the months of longing, the layers of protest, and anger and frustration. The recent nights of separation, when I didn’t know if she was okay. All of it went into that rush of release.” 
  • In the car, Gabby leans “across the center console for another kiss,” and Rus “gladly [meets] her halfway.” 

Violence 

  • During a football game against Deerlake, Rus gets “pinned to the ground” by a big Deerlake linebacker. 
  • Before a major football game, Marion and Bradley Simmons, the quarterback for Westmond High, “[tousle] on the ground.” Soon afterward, Marion’s face is bruised and bloody, the officials suspend the game, and the two boys are taken to the police station. 
  • Terrance, one of Rus’s teammates, believes that Shreveport’s crowd wants “to lynch us for real.” 
  • Rus and Darrell, one of Rus’s teammates, “lunge across the aisle” and fight after a disappointing football game loss. No one is injured during this scene. 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • Rus mentions that his teammates drink beer at a Friday night party. 
  • Rus’s father, Pops, takes a “measured sip from his beer” during a conversation between Rus, his mom, and Marion. 
  • Beer makes multiple appearances at Terrence’s party, such as in the “liquor cabinet” and a “cooler of beers.” 
  • Gary Tounior, Darrell’s cousin, has a “Swisher blunt hanging from the lips” during a party. 
  • Rus’s teammates smoke and “conceal their blunts” during a party. 
  • Darrell pops “the top off a can of beer” and hands it to Rus during a Friday night party. 
  • Marion drinks and runs off with a “bottle of Olde English” after a rough conversation with Rus. 
  • When Marion is kicked off the football team, Rus fears that he is “still looking for answers in bottles of malt liquor.” 
  • During homecoming preparation, Coach Fontenot, Rus’s football coach, spits “a wad of chewing tobacco into [a crumpled water bottle] before tucking it out of sight.” 
  • During a political rally, activist Charlotte Martin talks about a man who was arrested for selling “loose cigarettes outside of a convenience store.” 
  • Dave, Gabby’s close friend, asks Rus if he wants some “beer” during a college party. 
  • At Terrance’s house, Rus remembers “sneaking booze out of his mama’s liquor cabinet and staying up too late.” 

Language 

  • Marion gives Rus “the finger” after Rus jokes about his lack of a car. 
  • Profanity is used excessively. Profanity includes shit, damn, ass, hell, horseshit, piss, and fuck. 
  • “God,” “Jesus,” “Lord, help us,” “Lord knows he deserves worse,” and other similar phrases are used rarely as an exclamation. 
  • Marion threatens to call Bradley a piece of “trash.” 
  • The term “negro” is used several times. 
  • Gary insults Rus by calling him a “Mr. Big Man Baller.” 
  • One of Westmond’s football players, Lawrence, calls Rus a “nigga.” 
  • During a fight, Gabby calls the people on the football field a “dick.” 
  • Rus describes the town’s reaction to his decision to kneel during the national anthem as “bullshit.” He and Gabby use it again later on in the book during a similar conversation. 
  • Coach Fontenot calls his football team “a bunch of gosh darn amateurs” after a bad play. 
  • Rus describes football practice without Marion as a “shitstorm.” 
  • Rus feels like an “asshole” when he prematurely brings up his scholarship opportunity with Clemson to Marion. 
  • Bradley calls Lawrence a “fucking asshole” when he apologizes to Marion. 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content 

  • Rus’s teammate, Karim, has a tattoo of his mother posed “as Mother Mary—complete with a bowed head and hands folded in prayer.” 
  • Rus’s mother believes that “prayer and perseverance” will fix her family’s problems. 
  • Rus repeats a “prayer” that the rungs of his tree house ladder won’t break under his weight. 
  • After throwing a good football pass to Rus, Marion kisses “his fist then point[s] to the sky, as if sending God a little prayer.” 
  • When Rus runs to his car after a football game, he prays “to God” that “[the car] would start tonight.” 
  • When Rus and his friends are being chased by the police, Rus “hope[s] to God” that Terrance grabbed his house keys. 

by Caleb Kleinmann

Strike Zone

Twelve-year-old star Little League pitcher Nick Garcia has a dream. Several in fact. He dreams he’ll win this season’s MVP and earn the chance to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. He dreams he’ll meet his hero, Yankee pitcher Michael Arroyo. He dreams they’ll find a cure for Lupus so his sister won’t have to suffer. But mostly, he dreams that one day his family can stop living in fear of the government.  

For one kid, it’s almost too much to bear. Luckily, Nick has his two best friends, Ben and Diego, to keep him balanced. But when Nick notices a mysterious man lurking on his street corner, his worst fears are realized. But just when it seems there’s no one they can trust, an unexpected hero emerges and changes everything. 

Baseball-loving fans will instantly connect with Nick Garcia and his baseball ambitions. Nick is a kind protagonist who has a caring support system that includes friends, families, and neighbors. Despite his support system, Nick constantly worries that others will discover his family’s secret—both of his parents are illegal immigrants. This conflict weaves its way into almost every aspect of Nick’s life. At times, the story’s explanations of complex immigration problems including immigration raids, detention centers, and the legal system overshadow the baseball story thread. However through Nick’s experiences, readers will empathize with Nick and his family and learn about the harmful aspects of the immigration system. 

Nick and his two best friends, Ben and Diego, support each other and show readers the positive aspects of being part of a team. During their team’s games, most of the action focuses on Nick’s pitching ability. While this gives the reader an inside view of Nick’s emotions, the book lacks a broader sense of the team working together. There is play-by-play baseball action, but these scenes focus mainly on Nick and the other players are seldom mentioned. The narrow focus on Nick removes some of the joy from the game scenes.  

Strike Zone weaves the different aspects of Nick’s life together, showing how community surrounds Nick and his family in times of trouble. Nick has many trustworthy people in his life; however, he is surprised when his favorite Yankee, Michael Arroyo, steps in to help as well. Readers who have read the book Heat will understand how Michael’s and Nick’s stories connect, but the books don’t need to be read in order to enjoy Strike Zone. Both Michael’s and Nick’s stories show that achieving one’s dream is possible. However, it takes dedication, perseverance, and community.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Nick and his father take his sister Amelia to a free clinic. As they are leaving, a drunk man pushes her. “Amelia lost her balance and almost went down, but Nick caught her by the hip.” 
  • Afterward, the drunk man “swung at Nick’s father. It was a wild swing, one the man had telegraphed, and Nick’s dad easily avoided it. But missing the punch just seemed to make the big man angrier. He clumsily lowered his shoulder and drove into Victor, bringing them both violently to the ground. With Victor Garcia pinned beneath him, the man grunted, throwing punch after punch. . .” Both men are arrested. 
  • When Nick is sliding into home plate, “Eric slapped a hard tag on Nick. Right across the face. Nick’s head snapped to the side, and he immediately cupped his jaw in pain.” Nick has a bruise but is otherwise fine.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Heck is used once.  

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Nick’s coach tells him, “I honestly believe the good Lord has blessed you with a right arm like Michael Arroyo’s left.”  
  • Nick’s dad tells him, “God gives the heaviest burdens to the strongest backs.” 
  • Nick tells his neighbor about his hardships. She says, “When I was a little girl in Mexico, my mother used to read me a poem. It was about doing the right things to get into heaven so that one day God could answer all our questions about why things in our life happened the way they did.”  
  • Nick’s father talks about being an illegal immigrant. He says, “We have to put our trust in God until my beautiful daughter turns twenty-one.”  

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer

At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but soon she was adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and she quickly decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since and is now a principal dancer in New York City. She has also been featured in the ballet documentary First Position, as well as Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and Oprah magazine. 

Ballerina Dreams is told from Michaela’s point of view. The story uses a friendly tone that makes the reader feel as if they know Michaela personally. While in the orphanage, Michaela’s teacher said, “You can become a ballerina, too, if you take lessons for many years, if you work hard, and if you practice every day.” While Michaela’s story has a happy ending, she acknowledges her fears and explains how she overcame them. Her motivational story shows the importance of hard work and perseverance.  

As part of the Ready To Read Level 4 Series, Ballerina Dreams is intended for children who can read independently. The story is told using short chapters. The paragraphs are short and use simple sentences. Most pages have full-color illustrations or photographs of Michaela to break up the text. However, some pages do not have pictures.  

Ballerina Dreams is an inspiring story that encourages readers to aspire to great heights. The informative book explains how Michaela was able to make her dreams come true. Michaela encourages readers by saying, “It doesn’t matter if you dream of being a doctor, a teacher, a writer, or a ballerina. Every dream begins with one step. After that, you must work hard and practice every day. If you never give up, your dream will come true.” For another inspirational biography, pair Ballerina Dreams with A Girl Named Misty by Kelly Starling Lyons. Readers who love ballet should also read the picture books Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer and Parker Shines On by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Michaela was born in Sierra Leone and her parents “died there in the ongoing war.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude

Gilbert is excited for a perfect day at the beach, but Lola is scared of the water and Gilbert forgets his bathing suit! Even after buying a cool new suit that says “Surfer Dude” on it, will Gilbert end up in deep water? 

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude shows Gilbert and his family spending time at the beach. When Gilbert tries to surf, a big wave knocks him down, water gets in his eyes, sand gets in his suit, and his boogie board goes surging without him. Gilbert thinks of quitting, but with the help of his dad, Gilbert rides the waves!  

Readers will enjoy the large, full-color illustrations that bring the story to life. Gilbert’s family is shown in a positive light. Gilbert and his family treat each other kindly and enjoy spending time together. Readers will relate to Gilbert’s frustration when he has trouble surfing and they will also be able to empathize with Lola, who is afraid of the water. Even though Gilbert’s sister Lola is afraid to go into the water, no one makes fun of her. Instead, they encourage her to have fun playing in the sand. Finally, everyone finds a perfect way to have fun at the beach.  

With its relatable conflict and high-interest topic, Gilbert, the Surfer Dude will captivate young readers and make them want to read the book again and again. Almost every page has a large, brightly colored illustration to help younger readers visualize the story’s actions. Each page has two to four longer sentences and has some challenging words that readers may need help with. The book has a super fun conclusion that will leave readers smiling. Gilbert, the Surfer Dude is a highly entertaining book that uses humor to teach the value of trying new things.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Sports Illustrated Kids Pro Files: Baseball

Sports Illustrated Kids Pro Files: Baseball is a must-have book for every young baseball fan and player. The book profiles seven of the big leagues’ hottest stars and features SI Kids’ signature content: great writing, fun trivia, amazing statistics, and dynamic photography. But Pro Files: Baseball also delves deeper, providing insider tips from major league coaches on how to hit, pitch, and field just like the stars in the book. Experts help break down each baseball skill so that young players can learn to play like the pros.   

Each player—Albert Pujols, Evan Longoria, Roy Halladay, Joe Mauer, Josh Hamilton, Justin Verlander, and Joey Votto—has six pages dedicated to them. The first two-page spread includes an illustration of the player in action and basic facts such as height, weight, hometown, etc. The second two-page spread includes information about their early careers. There are also career stats and random insider information such as the player’s favorite cereal and the athlete they admired as a kid. In addition, readers will learn more about the players’ skills and why they love the game.  

Pro Files: Baseball uses a reader-friendly format similar to a picture book, which will appeal to even the most reluctant readers. Each page uses bright colors, infographics, and photographs of the players in action. While the book includes a lot of information about the players, each section is broken into small parts with a headline. In addition, most of the sports statistics are put in infographics which make them easy to understand. Best of all, Pro Files: Baseball shows the unique skills that players use for their specific positions, such as what skills make Joey Votto an amazing first baseman.  

Readers who love baseball will want to read Pro Files: Baseball because it’s packed full of interesting facts. Another positive aspect of the book is that it shows the hard work and dedication involved in making it to the major leagues. Plus, Pro Files: Baseball shows obstacles that the players had to overcome on their way to the pros.  

Any reader who wants to learn more about the game of baseball should put Pro Files: Baseball at the top of their reading list. Baseball fans can also learn about one of the most legendary baseball players of all time by reading Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse by David A. Kelly. However, if you’d like to add some more historical fiction to your baseball reading list, The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz is a must-read. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Story of Babe Ruth: A Biography Book for New Reader

Babe Ruth is one of the greatest players in the game of baseball. Known as the “Colossus of Swat” and the “King of Crash,” Ruth cemented his legacy as the game’s most prolific homerun hitter, amassing over 714 home runs throughout his career. His talent and character on and off the field inspired millions of rising big leaguers, and his career forever changed the sport. However, Ruth wasn’t always a baseball legend.  

Born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Babe Ruth grew up as a mischievous little boy who is constantly picking fights and getting into trouble. But when his parents send him to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, everything changes: Ruth falls in love with the game of baseball. For the next ten years, Ruth’s dedication to baseball helped him climb the ranks of teams, and he eventually earned a roster spot in the major leagues. Under the big spotlights of New York, Ruth knows that this is his big chance to experience his dream. But can he handle the pressure as a major league player? Or will the challenge prove too difficult? 

The Story of Babe Ruth tells a biographical story about Babe Ruth’s journey as a baseball player. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Ruth’s life, starting with his early childhood years and ending with his retirement from baseball. While other characters appear throughout the story—like Ruth’s wife, Helen—the story mainly focuses on Ruth.  

Ruth is portrayed primarily as an exemplary figure whose perseverance through hardships and commitment to baseball can be admirable and inspirational for readers. Although many readers can’t relate to Ruth’s experience as a major league baseball player, they can find similarities in his messy journey to stardom, where his successes and failures feel realistic and genuine.  

The biography displays a positive outlook on sports, difficulties, and dedication. Although Ruth encountered many obstacles as a rising baseball star, he showed “everyone that it was possible to come from nothing and make it all the way to the top.” Ruth’s fortitude in the moments of adversity will be very encouraging to readers, as it teaches about the power of perseverance. The Story of Babe Ruth challenges its audience not to fear the difficulties in their own lives. 

 Of course, Babe Ruth’s life wasn’t perfect. While the book mainly portrays Ruth in a good light, it also acknowledges that his life was messy and imperfect. There are multiple instances of his struggling marriage or his habit of partying after baseball games. While younger readers may not understand the depth of these actions, these details are minimal, and the biography’s joyful and heartwarming nature is still readily apparent throughout the book. 

The Story of Babe Ruth is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. Thus, the book is educationally oriented and includes supplementary material like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary with real photos from Ruth’s time as a baseball player. Several illustrations are sprinkled throughout the eight short chapters of the book. They typically appear every one to two pages and enhance the plot and message. The text may be challenging for younger readers, and the inclusion of the darker aspects of Ruth’s life can be heavy, The Story of Babe Ruth is a wonderfully simplified tale about one of baseball’s greatest players. Its engaging story will keep readers, young and old, hooked from page one. 

Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • Babe Ruth’s teammates didn’t like that he participated in batting practice because he was a pitcher. As a result, “Babe came to the park to find all his bats had been sawed in half.” 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

My Football Family

Football runs in this family’s blood. Whether it’s the baby’s first steps, bicycle rides, recreational football games, or marriage, football plays a significant role in this family’s identity and journey through life. But as the family grows and changes, will football continue to be a presence in their life? Or will their love for football slowly fade away? 

My Football Family tells a story about a family’s exciting love for football. The sport encompasses all aspects of their life, and their excitement for the game strengthens their love for each other. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows a family’s life as their son grows up in a household where football is a vital part of their family’s love, fun, and memories. Although the story doesn’t identify any specific main characters, its plot centers around the family’s child as he grows up and readers will find its depictions of the different seasons of life relatable and genuine.  

From the start, the book displays a positive outlook toward sports, family, and memory. The activities and stages of life are very authentic and relatable. Plus, the story’s main lesson encourages readers to love and support one’s family. Although the plot and character development are thin, the story excels in connecting with its audience, and it recognizes that “while seasons have their ups and downs . . . we’ll forever love our superstar, our favorite player—YOU.” This genuine and heartfelt message will challenge readers to reflect on what love looks like in their own families. 

My Football Family highlights the family’s progression through life with colorful, full-page illustrations that enhance the plot and deepen its message about loving and supporting one’s family. Each page features one to two sentences accompanied by bright pictures and the text is straightforward—perfect for beginner readers. Although the story’s plot is weak and might leave older readers bored, its message on family remains its focal point. Overall, My Football Family is an enjoyable, heartfelt tale about family and football that will leave readers smiling with joy. 

 Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

The Batboy

Brian is living every baseball kid’s dream: he is a batboy for his hometown Major League team. Brian believes this job is the perfect thing to bring him and his big-leaguer dad closer together. And if that wasn’t enough, this is also the season that Hank Bishop, Brian’s baseball hero, returns to the Tigers for the comeback of a lifetime. The summer couldn’t get much better! But then Hank Bishop starts to show his true colors, and Brian learns sometimes life throws you a curveball. 

While The Batboy revolves around the game of baseball, it also hits on the topic of having an absent father. Brian misses his father, who is in Japan coaching pitchers. Even though both Brian and his father love baseball, their love of the game isn’t enough to create a close relationship. Brian longs for his father’s love and attention; however, Brian eventually realizes that his father isn’t capable of being a present father. This painful realization allows the reader to understand why Brian is so determined to cheer for his hero, Hank, despite Hank’s bad temper and poor performance.  

Brian is a unique protagonist because, unlike many baseball players, he doesn’t dream of making it to the big leagues. Brian is realistic about his baseball talent. Even though Brian knows he’s not big-league material, this doesn’t stop him from doing his best on and off the field. Brian’s enthusiasm for baseball shines through in every baseball scene and makes him a compelling narrator. Yet it is Brian’s hard work, determination, and unwavering support of Hank that make him truly likable.  

The Batboy jumps back and forth between the Tiger’s baseball games and Brian’s little league games, giving the book many play-by-play baseball scenes. In addition, Brian’s job as a batboy gives him and the reader an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes in professional baseball. Occasionally Brian’s home life makes an appearance, but baseball dominates the book, which makes it a perfect read for baseball fans. While Brian is a well-developed character readers will connect to, The Batboy is first and foremost a baseball book that will appeal to readers who already have a basic understanding of the game. Readers who love baseball will find The Batboy an entertaining book that leaves them cheering for Brian both on and off the field. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • The use of steroids among baseball players and the “steroid era” is occasionally mentioned.  
  • Brian’s hero, Hank Bishop, was suspended from sports for using steroids. “In the minds of baseball fans, Hank Bishop had committed the two worst possible sins: Not only did he use steroids, he’d gotten caught using them.” 
  • One of Brian’s jobs is to make really “high-test coffee” before the game. “Brian knew enough about major league baseball to know the deal, had read up on how players dealt with the long season. Many of them used to use amphetamines before amphetamines became a banned substance in baseball. . . Brian knew high-test coffee was a kind of substitute now. . .” 
  • Willie, a professional baseball player, says he never tried steroids. Willie says, “I had a big brother got his life all messed up on other kinds of drugs, the worst kind, when I was little. Ended up in jail, even though where they should have sent him was to one of those rehab hospitals. Lordy, when I was growing up, my momma made me more afraid of drugs than the devil.”  
  • When Hank is invited to dinner at Brian’s house, he shows up with a bottle of wine. 

Language  

  • Hank calls Brian an idiot several times. 
  • After Brian made a mistake, he “felt like a jerk.” 
  • Brian calls his friend a freak.  
  • Heck is used once.

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Mermaid with No Tail

Paralympic champion swimmer and gold medalist Jessica Long celebrates the importance of dreaming big and the power of being different in The Mermaid with No Tail. As a baby, Jessica was adopted from a Russian orphanage. Her legs were amputated below the knee when she was 18 months old. Despite this, Jessica has become a world-class swimmer and one of the most decorated athletes of all time.

Dive into this illustrated picture book based on Jessica’s story, where Tatiana, a mermaid with no tail, decides she wants to compete in the Mermaid Games. The other mermaids make fun of her for being different. But her adoptive turtle parents are supportive and encouraging, and her shark coach, Phelpsy, teaches her to swim using her arms instead. Tatiana trains hard, maintains a good attitude, and eventually wins the games. 

Young readers will fall in love with Tatiana, who enjoys watching the mermaids swim in the Mermaid Games. The other mermaids tell Tatiana that she can never compete in the Mermaid Games. When the other mermaids are mean to her, Tatiana thinks, “I wish my tail could grow back like starfish arms do when they break off.” However, with her parents’ support, Tatiana and her fish friends go in search of a coach and find Phelpsy, who tells her, “Think about what you do have instead of worrying about what you don’t have.” Readers will cheer for Tatiana as she races the other mermaids and smiles when Tatiana earns her first-place medal. 

The heartwarming story is paired with adorable illustrations that bring Tatiana’s ocean world alive. The mermaid’s bright colors are contrasted with the soft blues of the sea. The sea life is captivating and readers will fall in love with Tatiana’s fish friends and her coach, a shark who wears glasses and a whistle. Even though Tatiana is different than the other mermaids, her self-confidence as she swims is apparent. While most of the pictures focus on Tatiana, the other mermaids’ skin tones are varied.  

The Mermaid with No Tail is a must-read because it teaches that “the thing that makes you different is your greatest gift.” Instead of allowing her missing tail to slow her down, Tatiana’s determination allows her to win the Mermaid Games. Young readers will not only enjoy reading the story again and again, but they will also want to spend time looking at the fun illustrations. Tatiana’s story will inspire readers and help them appreciate how they are different than others. Mermaid-loving readers can learn more positive life lessons by reading Camille’s Mermaid Tale by Valerie Tripp and the Purrmaids Series by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball

When James Naismith takes over as the new teacher of a rowdy gym class, he quickly realizes that he needs a new strategy to handle the energetic group of boys. Forced to find a game with less physical contact and more skill, Naismith develops his own game with a soccer ball and two peach baskets. Naismith introduces the new game of basketball to the gym class, but he worries that the boys won’t accept it. Will basketball become the next exciting thing or yet another failed sport for Naismith?  

Set in 1891, the story follows James Naismith and his journey to invent the game of basketball. Naismith is portrayed as a thick-skinned, determined protagonist whose many failures to find the right sport for his gym class only push him to continue to try new things. Naismith’s fortitude and willingness to never give are very admirable, and his determination to succeed will inspire others.  

The story presents an enjoyable account of the real-life invention of basketball, and the plot details the creation, the execution, and the impact of basketball in a clear, fluid manner. From the start, the book is filled with energy and excitement, and the progressing storyline only enhances the appeal of basketball for both young and old readers. While the historical accuracy may be overly simplified, the story’s core is its main lesson of never giving up. Even when Naismith “felt like giving up” because of repeated failures, he remained motivated and “stayed up late thinking about the new game.” 

The book highlights the historical components of the story with colorful, page-full illustrations that enhance the plot and keep readers invested with a unique, watercolor art style. Even though Hoop Genius is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. Each page features a short paragraph of text, but the advanced vocabulary will be challenging for younger readers. Nonetheless, older readers will still enjoy the book’s simplicity and illustrations. At the end of the book, an Author’s Note and a historical document about the early rules of basketball also provide an in-depth look at the real-life details of basketball. Overall, Hoop Genius is an entertaining yet informative tale about the creation of basketball that basketball fans won’t want to miss. To learn more fun facts about basketball add Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters by Suzanne Slade to your reading list. 

Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

Digger the Dinosaur

Digger wants to play baseball with his friends, but he isn’t allowed to go out until he’s cleaned his room. Digger starts cleaning at top speed, but the faster he moves the messier his room gets. His big tail and big feet aren’t helping! Will Digger win the race to tidy his room and get to the game on time? 

As part of the My First I Can Read Series, Digger the Dinosaur is perfect for emergent readers. The story uses basic language, word repetition, sight words, and full-page illustrations. Each page has one to three simple sentences. To add humor, on most of the pages Digger misunderstands what someone is saying because of rhyming words. For example, Stego tells Digger to “put your coat on the hook.” However, Digger thinks Stego said “book.” These silly misunderstandings add suspense as well as make the story fun to read.  

A full-color illustration covers every page. The illustrations use dark blues and reds, but Digger appears in green. Readers will enjoy the simple illustrations that show Digger and his friend cleaning Digger’s bedroom which has many of the same items that you would find in a human home—coats, hats, and cats. 

Digger the Dinosaur will appeal to young readers who love dinosaurs. The story teaches the importance of cleaning up your mess. As part of the My First I Can Read Series, the story will help build reading confidence in emergent readers. Adults who want to encourage children to read should add Haggis and Tank Unleashed: Digging for Dinos by Jessica Young and Danny and the Dinosaur in the Big City by Syd Hoff to their reading list. 

 Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Who Was Roberto Clemente?

Growing up the youngest of seven children in Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente had a talent for baseball. His incredible skill soon got him drafted into the big leagues where he spent 18 seasons playing right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Who Was Roberto Clemente? tells the story of this remarkable athlete: a twelve-time All-Star, World Series MVP, and the first Latin American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Through this biography, children will learn about Roberto Clemente’s life in twelve, easy-to-read chapters. The book explains how Roberto’s early life living in Puerto Rico shaped him. Right from the start, readers will be amazed at Roberto’s dedication to baseball and his desire to help his community. However, when Roberto arrived in the United States, he faced many obstacles including segregation and loneliness. Despite this, Roberto persevered to become one of the greatest players in Pirates history. 

Who Was Roberto Clemente? focuses on Roberto’s baseball career as well as his dedication to the people of Puerto Rico. “Whenever he could, Roberto talked about Puerto Rico. He was enormously proud of his island home.” Despite his fame, Roberto continued to help others. He helped younger players improve their baseball skills, answered fan mail, and donated money to the Pittsburg Children’s Hospital. Throughout his life, Roberto was motivated to help others. So, it was no surprise when Roberto helped collect supplies after a hurricane hit Nicaragua. In order to make sure the supplies made it to the people who needed them most, Roberto decided to travel to Nicaragua. Unfortunately, he died when his airplane crashed into the sea.  

After his death, Roberto’s passion for helping others continued to inspire others. Roberto’s wife wanted to fulfill Roberto’s dream of opening Roberto Clemente Sports City in order to help young people improve their baseball skills. Because of the sports center, Roberto is still helping the youth of Puerto Rico, even after his passing. Roberto continues to influence others because his experiences show that men from the Caribbean can succeed in baseball. “Roberto was not the first Latin American ballplayer to make it, but he was the best. He led by example. His hard work, courage, and generosity continue to impact Puerto Rico, baseball, and the world.”  

The book includes information that will help readers understand more about Roberto’s experiences. For example, one page gives information about Puerto Rico and another explains what spring training entails. To help readers understand the times that Roberto lived in, there is a timeline of Roberto’s life and a timeline of the world.  

Who Was Roberto Clemente? will delight all readers — not just baseball fans. Roberto shows the importance of perseverance, hard work, and kindness. Even though Roberto’s fame comes from his baseball career, readers will be encouraged by Roberto’s dedication to helping others. Even now, Roberto’s words encourage people to help others. “If you have a chance to accomplish something that makes things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on earth,” Roberto said. To learn more about Roberto, read Baseball’s Best: Five True Stories by Andrew Gutelle.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Roberto was young, his sister died. “She was burned in a kitchen accident and never recovered from her injuries.”  
  • When Roberto comes to America, he is exposed to segregation. Black players “were not allowed in the nice hotels. White players enjoyed trips to golf clubs and swimming pools; black players were not invited.” 
  • Roberto died while on an airplane. When the plane took off, “one engine made a loud bang. . . the airplane was over the ocean. It could not turn back. The airplane crashed in the sea.”  
  • Roberto witnessed an accident and “helped pull an injured person from a fiery car accident.” 
  • Roberto and his brother, Luis, were in a car accident. “Roberto hurt his neck and back. . . Luis passed away after the next day.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!

Vivy Cohen is determined. She’s had enough of playing catch in the park. She’s ready to pitch for a real baseball team.

But Vivy’s mom is worried about Vivy being the only girl on the team, and the only autistic kid. She wants Vivy to forget about pitching, but Vivy won’t give up. When her social skills teacher makes her write a letter to someone, Vivy knows exactly who to choose: her hero, Major League pitcher VJ Capello. Then two amazing things happen: A coach sees Vivy’s amazing knuckleball and invites her to join his team. And VJ starts writing back!

Now Vivy is a full-fledged pitcher, with a catcher as a new best friend and a steady stream of advice from VJ. But when a big accident puts her back on the bench, Vivy has to fight to stay on the team. 

Many readers will relate to Vivy, who often struggles with understanding other people. Because she is autistic, Vivy often feels stupid, worthless, and weird. Even though it is difficult for her to discuss her feelings, she tries to use positive communication skills. However, when Vivy joins the baseball team, one of the players, Kyle, often makes mean comments to her. Even though the comments are hurtful, Vivy doesn’t tell her coach or her parents. Unfortunately, VJ Capello is the only person she confides in, and despite his advice to tell an adult, Vivy refuses to do so. 

Much of the story revolves around baseball practice and games. In addition, the story also includes some interesting baseball facts. Vivy’s love of baseball is clear and her determination to play despite her mother’s protest is admirable. Through baseball, Vivy becomes more confident and is also able to make a friend. Despite the baseball action, some readers may have a difficult time navigating through Vivy’s inner dialogue. Readers will gain insight into autism and understand Vivy’s emotions, but sometimes Vivy’s feelings are described in great detail which makes the story drag. 

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! is a must-read for any reader who wants to understand autism. However, the story will also appeal to any reader who loves baseball as well as those who feel different. Through Vivy’s experiences, readers will learn the importance of perseverance. In addition, the story highlights the importance of talking to a trusted adult. However, one of the most impactful lessons is not to make assumptions about other people. At one point, Vivy’s dad reminds her, “Don’t assume things without talking to someone about it first.” A Boy Called Bat would be an excellent book to pair with Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! if you want to learn more about autism. However, if you want a winning baseball book, Soar by Joan Bauer hits it out of the park. 

Sexual Content  

  • Vivy’s brother reveals that he is dating another boy. Afterward, Vivy thinks, “I don’t think my parents are bigots. One of my dad’s friends from work is gay, and our rabbi is married to another woman.” Her inner dialogue goes on for half a page. 

Violence  

  • During practice, Kyle grabs Vivy’s ponytail, and “he tugged it. HARD.” Vivy starts yelling. “Everything was bad. I felt Kyle’s slimy hand on my hair long after he pulled away. It oozed from the tips of my hair down to the base of my spine.” The coach calms Vivy down. However, Vivy doesn’t tell him about Kyle’s bullying.” 
  • After practice, Vivy “finds a note in my duffel bag. . . It was written on yellow notebook paper in black Sharpie: GO AWAY, FREAK.” 
  • During a game, one of the players puts “a gigantic wad of already-been-chewed gum right in the middle of the webbing.” 
  • During a baseball game, Vivy is pitching when “the ball rocketed straight off the bat. Toward me. . . I froze. The big white boulder roared right toward my head, filling up my sight. . . It hit me in the forehead.” Vivy has to go to the hospital and has a concussion.  
  • After Vivy’s accident, she tells her parents, “There’s only ever been one person who got killed by a baseball. That was a hitter, not a pitcher. In 1920 Carl Mays hit Ray Chapman with a pitch and he died later that day.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • In her inner dialogue, Vivy often calls others names such as jerk, stupid, coward, buffoon, loser,  
  • When Vivy joins the baseball team, her teammate Kyle bullies her. At school, Kyle says, “I thought my father got a regular girl for our team, but it’s even worse. We have ourselves a monkey-girl. She can’t even eat a sandwich. Or talk like a real person.” Another boy from the team, joins the group and calls Kyle and his friends “losers.” 
  • Kyle calls the catcher on his team “shrimpy.” 
  • Klye makes fun of Vivy saying, “I’m Vivy and I can’t pitch to the big scary boy because I had mush for brains even before I got hit in the head.” Later, he continues to harass her by saying, “Hey, monkey-girl . . . I thought for sure you’d switch to softball. Or the Special Olympics.” 
  • In a letter to Vivy, VJ Capello writes: “There’s no excuse for such cruelty and I know too well how much it hurts. Even if the people hurling the insults are utter buffoons like Kyle. . .”  
  • After a bad game, Vivy thinks, “I totally sucked.” 
  • Heck is used five times. 
  • Freaking is used twice. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Vivy’s dad “always says that he has two religions—Reformed Judaism and baseball.” 
  • Vivy’s family is Jewish and occasionally she talks about a religious holiday. 

The Hall of Fame Heist

Third-grade twins Zach and Zoe are huge baseball fans. When their class visits Middletown’s town hall to see a pop-up museum by The National Baseball Hall of Fame, they can’t wait to see all the famous cards, gloves, and jerseys. They especially want to see Hank Aaron’s signed baseball—the one he supposedly hit over the fence at Middletown Park. However, when they reach the Hank Aaron exhibit, they notice that the baseball is gone! And nobody knows where it went! Can Zach and Zoe use their detective skills and solve this mystery before The National Baseball Hall of Fame leaves Middletown? 

Zach and Zoe are the exciting young protagonists of the story. Their kind personalities and determination to do what’s right make them commendable characters. More importantly, their excitement and curiosity about the missing baseball highlight the story’s lesson of working together to solve big problems. Although the twins discover many clues about the mystery, Zach acknowledges that they can’t solve everything and that “there’s somebody here who might be the best problem-solver in the world . . . our mom!”  

The Hall of Fame Heist includes several illustrations peppered throughout the short chapters. The pictures typically show the twins and a critical moment in the plot, which helps younger readers easily grasp the story’s progression. Alongside the mystery, the story also gives an impressive amount of baseball history, especially on certain players like Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson. While some of these facts can be too technical for beginner readers, they allow them to learn more about baseball and appreciate its history. 

However, due to the book’s simple characters and plain vocabulary, older readers may quickly grow bored with its straightforward plot. More importantly, certain readers may become frustrated at the fractured nature of the story due to constant jumping between the main mystery and unnecessary moments. As a result, The Hall Of Fame Heist will mostly appeal to a younger audience as it offers a somewhat engaging story about a baseball mystery. Thanks to its positive message about teamwork and authentic facts about baseball history, this story will appeal to beginning readers who love sports.  

Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

Dirt on Their Skirts: The Story of the Young Women who Won the World Championship

You had to be really, really good to play in the 1946 championship game between the Racine Belles and the Rockford Peaches. Sitting in the stands, Margaret thrills to every crack of the bat. Someday she hopes to join her heroes like Sophie “the Flash” Kurys and Betty “Moe” Trezza. As the ball hurtles toward the plate, Margaret can almost feel what it would be like to be in that batter’s position, arms tensed, bat held high. 

As we see this historic game in the annals of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League through the eyes of a fictional young girl, Dirt on Their Skirts is a potent reminder that women athletes have inspired young fans throughout the twentieth century. Based on written accounts and on the memories of the players themselves, this exciting story is for all those sandlot sluggers whose hearts beat a little faster whenever they hear the words, “Play ball!”  

Dirt on Their Skirts is told from the perspective of Margaret, a young girl who loves baseball. Readers will feel Margaret’s excitement when she and her family go to the World Championship baseball game. Readers will learn about some players in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. However, most of the book recounts the exciting World Championship game. Readers will get caught up in the play-by-play action, hold their breath wondering if someone will score, and cheer when the players make a great play.  

The book’s illustrations add to the game’s excitement because they focus on the players in action. The water-color illustrations focus on the baseball game as well as Margaret’s family during the game. This allows readers to see the determination on the players’ faces as well as the excitement of the crowd. Some of the pages are text-heavy and include four to nine sentences. Despite this, readers will get so caught up in the game, that they will want to finish the book in one sitting. However, readers who are unfamiliar with baseball may need help understanding the baseball terminology. 

Even though Dirt on Their Skirts is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. In addition, since Dirt on Their Skirts focuses solely on baseball, readers who are not already familiar with the game may need help understanding some of the baseball lingo. However, the book highlights the accomplishments of women in history and will leave readers believing that they too can achieve their dreams.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Hero Two Doors Down

This book is based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. 

Stephen “Steve” Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York who cares about only one thing: the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve. 

But then Steve hears a rumor that an African-American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It’s 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. After all, his hero Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. 

Then it happens — Steve’s new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can’t wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero? 

Steve’s childhood is chronicled in the first five chapters of The Hero Two Doors Down. While this allows readers to understand Steve’s behavior, the story has a slow start. Much of the story focuses on Steve’s inner thoughts and lacks actions. Despite that, anyone who admires Jackie Robinson will enjoy the story.  

Since Jackie Robinson is the main character in The Hero Two Doors Down, readers might expect a story about baseball. However, there is little baseball action because the story focuses on Steve’s relationship with Jackie. This gives readers an inside look into Jackie’s personal life and highlights his positive attributes. Jackie’s influence changed Steve from an angry boy who used his fist to solve problems to a boy who understood that “punching someone who has verbally attacked you will only make things worse.” 

The Hero Two Doors Down illustrates important life lessons including the importance of self-control. At times the adults are preachy, but this makes the message impossible to miss. By reading the book, readers will learn positive ways to interact with others, even when they both disagree. Jackie helped Steve learn that “You’ll become your best self if you stay focused, set goals, and don’t let anyone stop you from making your dreams come true.” While the story lacks baseball action and has a slow pace, the book’s message makes it worth reading. Readers who want to learn more about Jackie Robinson should also read Play Ball, Jackie! by Stephen Krensky. Readers looking for more baseball action can find it in The Contract Series by Derek Jeter and Prime-Time Pitcher by Matt Christopher. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Steve gets into trouble after school. He hears that his teacher, Miss Maliken, plans to make a home visit. Steve and his best friend, Sena, try to stop her. “Sena’s hand reached toward Miss Maliken, but I followed her lead. Together we pushed Miss Maliken, then watched in shock as she toppled over the hedge. The air filled with her screams. . . Women scrambled to help her.” Steve is suspended from school. 
  • Steve’s grandparents “fled Russia, along with two million other Jewish families, hoping to find freedom to practice their religion . . . In Russia, Jews were treated very badly. . . There was a lot of violence against them, and many men, women, and children were hurt or killed simply because they were Jewish.” 
  • Some players are upset that Jackie is playing baseball. “He’s been hit six times by pitchers and been insulted plenty just because he’s a black man in a previously all-white game.” Some of the players also tried to “slide into second base with their cleats pointing forward. It was dangerous and could lead to a serious injury for the second baseman.”  
  • When Jackie was in school, he joined a gang. He said, “We didn’t do anything really bad. . . stole some golf balls and sold them back to the golfers. . . took fruit from stands.”  
  • During a pick-up game, Steve drops a ball. Afterwards, “Several boys on our team ran over to me.” When they started calling Steve names, he “jumped up from the ground. . . and got in their faces. . .” Sena tried to drag Steve away, but Steve “pulled [his] arm away and jammed it into the belly of one of [his] attackers instead of retreating. The boy punched [him] hard in the gut. [He] dove into the other boys.” Sena and Steve finally run away. 
  • Steve has some anger issues and he “was sent to the principal’s office because [he] bloodied a classmate.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Some boys call Steve a sissy and a liar. 
  • Someone calls Steve a chicken. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Steve and his family are Jewish and occasionally pray, but no actual prayers are included. 
  • Steve’s family celebrates Hanukkah. On the first night, “when your father lights the first candle, he will say a special prayer asking for peace in Israel . . .” 
  • Jackie gives Steve a Christmas tree. Steve’s parents want to return the tree because “it is a symbol of a Christian holiday. Like Hanukkah, Christmas is part religious holiday and part tradition.” 
  • Steve’s favorite part of Hanukkah is “watching my father pray for peace, understanding, and friendship . . . I learned that whether you are Christian or Jewish, we both pray to God.” 

A Batboy’s Day

Follow an Anaheim Angels batboy as he goes through his routine of helping players and umpires before, during, and after a game. Readers will discover all of Michael Martinez’s batboy duties and learn why he shows up about six hours before the game. When the game starts, Martinez works hard to help the players. It’s not an easy job, but it’s full of fun! 

Young readers interested in baseball will find Martinez’s job interesting. They will see how the work is difficult but rewarding. Martinez gets to see many “exciting baseball moments” and many of the players are his friends. The book ends with one page explaining how to become a batboy (or batgirl); this page encourages readers to write a letter to a baseball team asking how they can help the team.  

As part of DK Readers: Level 2, A Batboy’s Day is written for readers who are beginning to read alone. The book includes a simple index and a few informational boxes full of fun facts. Each page has two to seven sentences written using longer sentence structure and increased vocabulary. Each page also includes one to two large pictures that show Martinez and some of the players in action.  

A Batboy’s Day may surprise readers because it shows how many tasks a batboy does on game day. While Martinez works hard, it is also fun. Since the book’s only focus is baseball, A Batboy’s Day is best suited for readers who love baseball. Young baseball fans will also enjoy the Little Rhino Series by Ryan Howard & Krystle Howard. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Rhino in Right Field

Nick wants to change his life. For twelve years, he’s done what his hard-working, immigrant parents want him to do. Now he’s looking for his own American dream and he thinks he’s found it. The local baseball team is having a batboy contest, and Nick wants to win.

But the contest is on a Saturday—the day Nick has to work in his father’s shop. There’s one other tiny—well, not so tiny—problem. A 2,000-pound rhinoceros named Tank. Nick and his friends play ball in the city zoo—and Tank lives just beyond the right field fence. Nick’s experience getting the ball out of Tank’s pen has left him frozen with fear whenever a fly ball comes his way. How’s a lousy fielder going to win the contest?

Nick practices every day with his best friend, Ace, and a new girl who has an impressive throwing arm! But that’s not enough—to get to the contest, Nick has to lie to his parents and blackmail his uncle. All while dodging the school bully, who’s determined to win even by playing dirty. Nick will need to keep his eye on the ball in this fast, funny story about a game that can throw you some curveballs—just like life! 

Nick, the protagonist in The Rhino in Right Field, is a likable and relatable protagonist, who deals with relatable conflicts. Like many middle-grade readers, Nick is frustrated with his mother who still treats him like a baby. Nick is also upset that his father makes him work in the family shop, every Saturday. His father’s uncompromising ways lead Nick to lie to his family in order to participate in a baseball contest. Even though Nick wins the contest, his joy is tampered because he can’t share the news with his parents. In the end, everyone in the family—Nick, his mother, and his father—sneak off to watch the same baseball game. While the scene is funny, Nick and his family come to a new understanding—that fun should also be a regular part of their life.

Although baseball plays a major part in the story, no actual baseball games are described. Despite this, The Rhino in Right Field is still engaging enough to please sports fans. Nick and his friends play baseball at the zoo, which adds interest and humor to the book. A batboy contest, a bully, and an unusual baseball-throwing girl help propel the story to an unexpected conclusion that shows the importance of hard work and having fun.  

Dekeyser takes readers back to the 1940s when both women and men played professional baseball.  However, the time period is a little fuzzy because there are few context clues as to the time period. The use of terms such as “holy cow” and “knucklehead” are clues that the story takes place in the past. In addition, Nick occasionally mentions the price of items. For example, Nick says a baseball cost ninety-eight cents which is three weeks’ worth of tip money. While these give clues that the story doesn’t take place in the present, readers likely will not be able to identify the time period.   

The Rhino in Right Field has many positive aspects that will appeal to middle-grade readers including a well-intentioned, humorous protagonist. While the supporting characters are not well-developed, they add suspense and interest. In addition, the book’s short chapters and fast pace keep the action hopping until the very end. Readers will also be introduced to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and can learn more about girls in baseball by reading Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages. Readers interested in more humorous middle-grade stories should also read The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick. 

Sexual Content  

  • Penny’s sister, Josie, played professional baseball. Penny says, “One lady told Josie that if she kept playing ball, she’d never be able to have babies.” 
  • After talking to Penny, Nick thinks “I’m not too swift on the female anatomy, though you can’t say I haven’t tried. One time I happened to find a cheesecake magazine in Uncle Spiro’s room, but I only got a peek at a leg and some garters before he walked in and hollered at me to get out of his room forever.”

Violence  

  • While in second grade, Pete, the school bully, “actually punched a kid for calling him Taki to his face.” Taki is a nickname for Pete’s Greek name which is Panagiotakis. 
  • Nick sees one of his classmates, Penny, crying. She wasn’t able to enter the contest because she is a girl. While at the contest, Pete yells, “How did that hairy monkey get in here, anyway? That’s right—go back to the zoo!” 
  • While at church, Pete tries to punch Nick. Pete “swung at me. . . My survival skills kicked in, and I ducked out of the way just in time. With nothing for his fist to land on, Pete was thrown off balance. He spun around on his heels, and when his face came into view again. . . I punched him right in the nose.” The punch caused a “trickle of blood” to drip from Pete’s nose. 
  • When the doorbell rings, Nick opens the door and sees Pete. “And before I knew it, he [Pete] hauled off and slugged me. I dropped to the floor like a sack of marbles. . . Then he stomped down the porch steps and out into the night.” After being hit, Nick’s “left eye was throbbing, and it was already hard to see out of it.” Nick’s mom puts a cold piece of liver on Nick’s eye and the swelling goes down. 
  • The zoo puts some animals in cages and they ride in a parade. A zookeeper has an elephant gun with him that has tranquilizers in it. The gun is never used.

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • A secretary who works at the ballfield smokes. When her boss sees her with a cigarette, he says, “Miss Garble, how many times have I told you? That stuff’ll kill you.”  

Language  

  • Heck and darn are used occasionally. 
  • Dang is used a few times. For example, when Pete threatens Nick, Nick says something to him in Greek. When Pete replies, Nick explains, “But I wasn’t going to explain what I’d said, and I dang well knew Peter wouldn’t either.” 
  • Frequently, the kids call each other names such as chicken, idiot, punk, and weasel.  
  • Both the children and the adults frequently call people knuckleheads.  
  • Holy cow, holy moly, holy smokes, and similar exclamations are used frequently. 
  • Nick is mad at his uncle so he calls him a “shifty freeloader.” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Nick and his family go to church. During service, Pete “kept giving [Nick] the stink eye which I hope is a sin if you do it in church.”  
  • While at church, Nick falls asleep. When he wakes up, his mother “gave [him] the stink eye, which probably isn’t a sin if your mother does it, even in church.” 
  • After the church service ends, Nick is impatient to leave. He thinks, “I’d already spent two hours in church. Not even God could expect me to hang around longer than that.” 
  • After church, a woman asks Nick’s uncle. Nick thinks, “I happened to know that Uncle Spiro was a shameless heathen who avoided church religiously.” 

Force Out

Joey and Zach have been best friends since forever. As two of the best players in their baseball league, they’ve always dreamed of playing together on the Center State select team, and they will do anything to help each other get there. 

So when Zach is forced to go on an extra-credit field trip that could ruin his chances of being picked for the all-star team, Joey comes up with a risky plan to bail him out. As long as no one finds out what they did, all will be fine. Then the unthinkable happens: They learn there’s only one spot left on the team. Suddenly Joey and Zach go from being best friends to fierce rivals, and Joey must figure out his next move. He has two options: play the biggest game of his life or use their secret to force Zach out. But is Joey really willing to put everything on the line to win? 

Since Joey and Zach have been best friends forever, they don’t even consider the possibility that they won’t be picked to be part of the Center State team. However, to make their dream come true, Joey and Zach come up with crazy schemes in order to force other players out. While Joey feels guilty for his bad actions, Zach never shows remorse. When it becomes clear that only one of them will advance, Zach begins to ignore Joey. In addition to their drama revolving around baseball, the two also have girl drama. Joey is trying to navigate his crush on Leah, but in a surprise twist, Zach steals her. In the end, all is forgiven and Joey and Zach are best friends again. However, readers will be left wondering why Joey would want to be friends with Zach. 

Many middle-grade readers will relate to Joey’s conflicts—friendship trouble, girl trouble, parent trouble, and baseball trouble. However, the story’s message is cloudy and the boys’ bad behavior is never punished. To make matters worse, Joey’s parents do not emulate positive attributes. Joey’s mom is a police officer who believes that bad people belong in jail because they can’t be rehabilitated. Because of her strong beliefs, she is often preachy and pushy. This leaves Joey’s father in a difficult position of trying to smooth over difficulties between Joey and his mom. Unfortunately, Joey’s family dynamics are not healthy and readers will easily understand why Joey was dishonest until the very end. 

Despite the story’s flaws, Force Out’s baseball action will entertain sports-loving readers. Baseball games are expertly interwoven into the story and the games highlight the pressure that many players are forced to endure. While Joey makes some bad decisions, he is eaten up by remorse and eventually tells the truth. Readers will relate to Joey who often struggles with problem-solving, yet he is still a good kid who tries his best. If you’re looking for a baseball book with a more positive message check out Change Up by Derek Jeter, Soar by Joan Bauer, and Heat by Mike Lupica 

Sexual Content  

  • While at the playground, Joey talks to Leah, whom he has a crush on. “. . . He dared to touch his lower leg against hers. She didn’t take it away, and the thrill of the contact poured through him like a molten liquid.” 
  • Joey and Leah go for a walk. When they return, a girl asks, “What took you so long? You didn’t stop to kiss, did you?” 
  • Zach says, “Girls like to be kissed.” The narrator explains: “Everyone knew Zach had kissed Sheila Tibioni in the entrance to the food court at the mall. She was in eighth grade. Zach did it on a dare and had grown famous for it.” 
  • After school, Joey leaves and Leah follows him. “Before Joey even knew what happened, she kissed him. As she moved toward him, he turned his head just a bit so their lips brushed before the kiss landed squarely on his cheek.” Then Joey runs away.

Violence  

  • Joey and Zach sneak out of the house late at night. They ride their bikes to a teacher’s house and put a clamp around his fuel line so he can’t get to school the next day. In order to do this, Joey puts Valium in a meatball and feeds it to the dog; the dog is uninjured but goes to sleep. The teacher is late to school and must cancel a field trip. 
  • Joey’s mother has a difficult time dealing with her brother Martin’s death. Joey’s dad explains that, as a kid, Martin was bullied by other kids. One day, the other kids were jumping off a bridge. “Martin had no business being up there. . . they were all jumping off the bridge into the river. He didn’t want to, but they tormented him. . . He jumped and then tried to change his mind and ended up hitting his head.”  
  • Zach thinks about putting human poop in a kid’s food. Zach hopes that this makes the kid sick enough that he can’t play baseball, and then Joey would be able to take his place.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Joey’s mom takes Valium for headaches. Joey steals one of her pills and puts it into meat so a dog would eat it. 

Language  

  • There is some name calling such as bonehead, butthead, dork, jerk, freak, and witch. 
  • Oh my God is used as an exclamation twice. 
  • Joeys says, “This is the crappiest day of my life.” 
  • Joey gets an email that says CRD. Joey tells his mom that it means “Caucasian rhythmic disorder, CRD. It’s because I can’t dance.” The book doesn’t say what CRD really means. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • During a game, Joey “prayed for all he was worth not to get pulled.” 
  • Before meals, Joey’s family says a blessing; however, no specific blessing is said in the book. 
  • When Joey and his family go to church, “The message he got there didn’t leave him feeling warm and fuzzy. There was a bit too much teeth gnashing, burning of chaff, and choked-off vines planted among weeds and thistles for Joey’s liking, and he found himself silently asking, ‘Where is the love?’” 
  • Before dinner, his mother prayed and “ended with a special addition, asking God to give Joey the strength of character he needed to do well.” 

Sliding Into Home

It’s not fair! Thirteen-year-old Joelle Cunningham is passionate about baseball. When her family moves to the small town of Greendale, Iowa, she quickly discovers that there are strict rules preventing her from playing on the school team.

At Hoover Middle School, only boys play baseball. Girls play softball. Joelle tries to tell everyone they’re not the same sport. But no one is listening. Not Coach Carlyle, the baseball coach, who doesn’t want her on his team, even though they’re at the bottom of the league. Not Ms. Fenner, the softball coach, who wants Joelle to use her big-league swing on the girls’ softball team. Not even Jason, her older brother, who is too busy at college to be of much help.

Through some creative problem-solving and surprising alliances, Joelle finds a solution to her dilemma that brings the disputing sides together . . . and baseball to the girls of Greendale. 

When Joelle discovers she can’t play on the baseball team because of a school policy, she is determined to find a way to change the rules. While Joelle’s parents are supportive, Joelle doesn’t rely on them to solve problems for her. Instead, she comes up with a plan and follows it through to the end. Readers will admire Joelle’s courage and determination. However, like some of the supporting characters, readers may wonder why Joelle doesn’t join the softball team instead. 

The majority of Sliding Into Home’s plot revolves around Joelle’s attempt to change the school policy so she can join the boys’ baseball team. When she realizes that the policy is not going to change, she switches gears in order to organize a girls’ baseball league. This plot thread is reinforced through a school project; Joelle and her classmates put on a trial where Goldilocks is accused of crimes. Through this project, Joelle learns that “Sometimes, in the courtroom and in life, all you can do is present your argument and see what happens. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. And sometimes it doesn’t seem fair.” 

Although Joelle is a well-developed character who displays personal growth, the supporting characters are one-dimensional and forgettable. Despite this, the easy-to-read text, fast-paced plot, and realistic dialogue will keep readers interested. However, readers who want play-by-play baseball action will be disappointed, since the story only describes one baseball game. Readers who want a well-rounded story that highlights the importance of standing up for yourself will enjoy Sliding Into Home. Baseball fans who want an entertaining story that weaves in important life lessons should also read Mascot by Anthony John. 

Sexual Content  

  • When Joelle wants to join the school’s baseball team, the principal says, “And what is it exactly that you like better about it? The boys?” Joelle is upset and thinks, “Did the principal think she was some stupid, boy-crazy girl?” 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Several times, a boy from school calls Joelle a “space case.”  
  • The kids at school, including Joelle, call others names such as losers, jerk, weird, and idiot.  
  • Darn is used once. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Unwilling Umpire

U is for Umpire . . . Play ball! While the whole town of Green Lawn is watching the women take on the men in a charity baseball game, Mr. Pocket’s prized baseball collection is stolen! The police suspect the umpire of foul play. Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose prove his innocence . . . or will they strike out? 

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose step up to bat in order to help out Pete, even though they don’t know him. The kids use their powers of observation as well as the library to put the pieces of the mystery together. The simple plot is fast-paced and contains enough suspense and mystery to keep readers interested. The three friends focus on the facts and seek adult help when needed. When the kids believe they’ve found the real thief, they take the information to the police, who are able to arrest the villain. 

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are likable characters with curious minds and polite manners. When the three friends discover Pete has a brother named Buddy, the kids don’t judge Buddy because of his bad behavior. Instead, they jump in to help Buddy. In the end, the kids prove Pete’s innocence and other people also jump in to help Buddy and Pete. Even though both Buddy and Pete make mistakes, they eventually tell the truth which allows the town to give them a second chance.  

The Unwilling Umpire uses short chapters and easy vocabulary that will appeal to independent readers. Large illustrations appear every three to seven pages. The illustrations will help readers visualize the characters and understand the plot. With 18 books in the series, readers can pick and choose the topics that most interest them. Each book focuses on a new mystery so the books can be read in any order. 

The Unwilling Umpire highlights the importance of having a community that helps each other. The story also shows that “lying is wrong, even if it’s done to protect someone else.” The Unwilling Umpire’s fast-paced plot will appeal to baseball and mystery fans alike. For another mystery that hits it out of the park, check out The Ballgame With No One At Bat by Steve Brezenoff. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Someone smashes a glass case in order to steal the baseballs inside. When the case is smashed, there’s glass all over the floor. 
  • Pete and his brother live together “because our folks died in a car crash a few years ago.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • The umpire leaves the field to get his allergy medication. 

Language  

  • Darn and heck are each used several times. 
  • Exclamations such as gee and gosh are used several times. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen

For as long as she could remember, Jackie Mitchell’s father had told Jackie she could be good at whatever she wanted, as long as she worked at it. Jackie worked at baseball. She worked hard. And before long, Jackie could outplay anyone in her neighborhood—even the boys.

She had one pitch—a wicked, dropping curve ball. But no seventeen-year-old girl could pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was unthinkable. Then on April 2, 1931, the New York Yankees stopped in Tennessee for an exhibition game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. And on that day Jackie Mitchell made baseball history.  

Take a step back into history to learn more about the only woman to ever pitch in a major league game. Jackie’s story comes to life in full color illustrations as well as engaging text. The illustrations use natural colors and historical details that show Jackie in action. In addition, some of the illustrations show Babe Ruth’s and the crowd’s reactions to Jackie’s pitching—first came sneers and laughter; then came surprise and outrage. Babe Ruth and others thought that women were “too delicate” to play baseball. Babe said, “It would kill them to play ball every day.” Unfortunately, after Jackie’s historic game against the Yankees, the baseball commissioner banned women from playing in the major and minor leagues. While Jackie never realized her dream of playing in the World Series, readers will appreciate her tenacity and her skills. 

Even though Mighty Jackie is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. The book uses complex sentences and difficult vocabulary. However, the text’s dialogue and baseball action break up the historical information allowing the plot to move at a fast pace. When Jackie throws a strike, the words are printed in larger, fun font to highlight her achievement.  

Mighty Jackie’s story will inspire ballplayers as it shines a light on the true story of Jackie Mitchell. The Strike-Out Queen proves that women can achieve any goal if they work hard. Older readers will appreciate Jackie’s bravery and how she refused to let society define her. To learn more about historic women who overcame obstacles to achieve their dreams read She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton and Miss Mary Reporting by Sue Macy. 

 Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • When Jackie played a game for the Chattanooga Lookouts, “a reporter wrote that you might as well have ‘a trained seal behind the plate’ as have a woman standing there.” 
  • When Jackie pitched against Babe Ruth, her first two pitches were balls. “The crowd was hooting and jeering. Babe was snickering with them.”  
  • When Jackie struck out Babe Ruth, he “glared at the umpire and threw the bat down in disgust.”  

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Derek Jeter: Yankee Great

Playmakers introduces young readers to their current heroes on and off the field. Derek Jeter: Yankee Great summarizes Derek Jeter’s life and career to date and draws attention to accomplishments beyond his athletic skill as well as career highlights thus far. 

Derek Jeter: Yankee Great begins by showing how Derek broke Lou Gehrig’s hitting record and became one of the Yankees’ starting shortstops. While the story focuses on Derek’s baseball skills, it also showcases Derek’s positive attitude. For example, the Yankees’ owner said Derek has “got an infectious smile, and he’s so handsome and well-behaved. He’s just a fine young man who does everything right.”  

Derek’s dream of playing for the Yankees began when he was eight years old. However, his dream became true because he worked hard and set high expectations for himself. Derek said, “I think we should all set goals in life and set them high. I did that, and my parents encouraged me to do it, which is one of the main reasons I am where I am today,”  

The transition from high school to playing for the minor leagues was difficult for Derek. After games, he would “wind up crying in my hotel room night after night because I was playing so poorly.” Derek persevered and eventually was moved up to the major leagues, where he became team captain. Derek’s teammates respected him for his baseball skills as well as his positive attitude, his reliability, and his leadership.  

Most people know Derek as a great baseball player, but he “has become a hero for what he has done off the field.” Derek created the Turn 2 Foundation, which helps kids have healthy lifestyles. Derek believes that “If you have more than you need, share it with someone else.”  

Derek Jeter: Yankee Great allows readers to discover Derek’s baseball statistics as well as his depth of character. Because of his work ethic and positive attitude, Derek is an excellent role model who encourages readers to focus on their goals in order to make their dreams a reality. Derek shows how his dream came true, and this knowledge will help readers obtain their goals as well.  

Readers will appreciate the book’s easy-to-read format which includes oversized font, easy vocabulary, and short chapters. Each two-page spread has a large illustration of Derek in action as well as informative sidebars. In addition, the back of the book includes more fun facts and a one-page glossary. Derek Jeter: Yankee Great will be a hit with any reader who loves baseball. By learning more about Derek Jeter, young readers will be inspired to work hard in order to see their dreams become reality. Baseball fans who want to learn more about baseball superstars should also read Out of the Ballpark by Alex Rodriguez and Play Ball, Jackie! by Stephen Krensky. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 
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