Finding Buck McHenry

Slote skillfully blends comedy, suspense and baseball in a highly entertaining tale. Jason, 11, has just been cut from his Little League baseball team: he concentrates too much on baseball cards and not enough on the actual game. Mack Henry, the custodian at Jason's former school, surprisingly gives the boy some pointers and tells him about the game's earlier days. As Jason investigates further, he discovers a card for Buck McHenry, a great 1930s pitcher who retired early from baseball and worked as a school janitor in Michigan. Jason is convinced that Mack must be Buck McHenry; the man finally admits his identity, but asks the youngster to keep it a secret. Jason breaks his promise, however, by telling Aaron, Mr. Henry's grandson. Appealing characters, lively dialogue and animated baseball descriptions convey the game's rich history and vivid spirit in a story that addresses the importance of family, friendship and respect for others. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)