THROWING SMOKE

Bruce Brooks, . . HarperTrophy, $5.95 (144pp) ISBN 978-0-06-440774-8

As the urge to win gradually overtakes pitcher Whiz, he begins printing up baseball cards for fictional players with dream stats—and they begin to materialize, bringing with them a winning streak for his team. "Baseball fans may appreciate the message of Brooks's latest," wrote PW, "but the author's followers may be disappointed at the sketchy characterizations here." Ages 10-up. (Mar.)

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