March 12, 2024 by becker&mayer! kids
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Want an engrossing book to turn to after watching the opening day game today? Look no further than this fascinating volume. Even though I don't know a lot about baseball, the formatting of this was exquisitely engaging and reminded me a bit of the Sports Illustrated Then to Wow titles in the wide array of facts presented. This is divided up into different positions or types of activity of the field, each of which are supported by statistics, facts, and short biographies of famous players. There's a nice contrast between older players and newer ones, and it's handy that the players who are in the Hall of Fame are in bold type. Since this book is officially licensed by the Baseball Hall of Fame, there are a large number of great photographs. This is a beautiful book packed with all sorts of information. I wish I had a copy right now for an 8th grade nonfiction project, but will definitely order a copy for next year. It's available through Follett's Titlewave, even though I've never heard of the press. Buckley is apparently a prominent sports writer. (Oh. Apparently a division of Quarto Publishing that is not important enough to be given capitalization.)
April 16, 2024 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Lucy's father Luther is a pitcher with a minor league team, the Salem Red Sox. He is often gone on the road, but when he comes home, his team mate Edgar often comes to visit as well. Lucy plays baseball with her friends Tex and Robin, who are cousins, but won't pitch. She thinks the mound is scary, but decides that maybe it is time to work on her courage. She starts to practice in the yard in the early morning before her family is awake, but doesn't keep the secret very long. She tells Tex and Robin, who work with her on it. Her mother is a painter, who often does baseball related pictures, or landscapes of the farmland around their home; there are goats being raised near one of the fields where they kids play, hence their appearance on the cover. Lucy's father is reknowned for his knuckleball, and as he prepares to sub in for a pitcher in a game where there will be major league scouts, Lucy decides that she can work on her own bravery along with a knuckleball of her own. Her father is surprised and delighted that she is following in his footsteps, the mother's exhibit goes well, although the family is sad not to have her pictures in the house, and when Luther and Edgar are offered positions on the Boston Red Sox, Lucy is given the opportunity to throw the first pitch of the season in Fenway Park.
Strengths: Like all of MacLachalan's work, this is lyrical, introspective, and begs to be read aloud. Just make sure you have tissues handy. Big Feelings are discussed, and heart strings are tugged. It's a gentle exploration of family dynamics and how they affect personal growth. It was good to see that the parents not only were both alive, but liked each other. Lucy's friends are supportive, and there's an adorable dog, Ruby, with a heart shaped mark on her side.
Weaknesses: Lucy makes a big deal about different secrets, like practicing in the early morning, or learning how to throw a knuckle ball, but tells them on the next page, practically. Also, there was no reason to mention the goats nearby or have them on the cover.
What I really think: I was sad when I heard MacLachlan died , and know that she had many fans. I always felt like I should read books like Kindred Souls, The Truth of Me, Just Dance, and The Poet's Dog. In general, her work tends to be more elementary focused, and that's not my literary orientation. Just not my cup of tea.
Weaknesses: Lucy makes a big deal about different secrets, like practicing in the early morning, or learning how to throw a knuckle ball, but tells them on the next page, practically. Also, there was no reason to mention the goats nearby or have them on the cover.
What I really think: I was sad when I heard MacLachlan died , and know that she had many fans. I always felt like I should read books like Kindred Souls, The Truth of Me, Just Dance, and The Poet's Dog. In general, her work tends to be more elementary focused, and that's not my literary orientation. Just not my cup of tea.
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