Bobby Baseball

All 10-year-old Bobby Ellis thinks about is baseball. If he isn't watching a game or writing in his Baseball Book, he is dreaming of his future as a Hall of Famer and predicting how his Kids Club team will do. Bobby convinces his father to let him play for the Hawks, the Kid's Club team Dad manages. Bobby's brother Sammy, who played for Dad a few years before, warns Bobby that his plan isn't wise, but, unfortunately, Bobby must learn this for himself. Dad is rough on him, and Bobby's temper only makes matters worse. Eventually Bobby must accept that he is not a great baseball player, but can still love and dream about the game. Baseball fans who share Bobby's fantasies will admire his determination and empathize with his stinging realization. Smith's crisp dialogue vivifies the book's appealing characters, and Tiegreen's illustrations lend an antic touch to Bobby's predicaments. This is an upbeat, refreshing celebration of the spirit of our national pastime. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)