Great Baseball Series for Kids By Cal Ripken, Jr.

By FREYA HOOPER (Star Patcher)

Hey, batter batter .... Yes, I love a good baseball book. With the season in full swing, your little leaguer will enjoy reading a book where the baseball is front and center. Oh, and it’s written by Cal Ripken, Jr. so this guy knows his curveball from his slider, his on base percentage from his runs batted in ... well you get the idea.

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss a great baseball story where the bases are loaded, the pitcher is missing the strike zone, there are three outs and the clean up batter is up. Has you on the edge of your seat, right?

Title: Wild Pitch

Author: Cal Ripken, Jr.

Target: Grades 3-5

Series: Yes

What this book is about:
Robbie used to be the best the pitcher in the league, but now his team is calling him Ball Four. He can’t seem to make a strike if his life depends on it. What they don’t know is that in a recent all star game, he hit a batter so hard that he sent him to the hospital. He just hasn’t trusted his control since. When Robbie meets a kid who recently lost an arm in an accident, it turns out that while he may not be able to play little league (yet) he can help Robbie get back his mojo. But it won’t be easy.

Why I love this book:
I tend to veer away from books written by famous folks. They are usually not the best. But in this case, Cal Ripken has teamed with the talented Kevin Cowherd and they have put together an engaging narrative. The baseball action in the book was comprehensive and kids who play will enjoy those sequences.

I also enjoyed the underlying story of Robbie getting his head back in the game. The team engaged in just enough ribbing and support to feel authentic and I liked that Robbie’s parents were there for him and encouraging.

Who this book is for:
Great baseball book for kids who play the game.

Final thoughts:
Good stuff coming out from famous players these days. I have also quite enjoyed the Derek Jeter series. Good job guys!

• Also from Freya:
• For Your Li’l Readers: Book To Encourage Them To Try New Foods
• Sweet Book To Keep Your Kids Reading This Summer
• Another Great Summer Read For Your Kids
• A Can’t-Put-Down Read For Your Teens
  

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!