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ava_xoxo4's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
I liked this historical fiction sports story. It had some good lessons and reminded me of The Sandlot and A League of Their Own.
thenextgenlib's review
4.0
I liked this historical fiction sports story. It had some good lessons and reminded me of The Sandlot and A League of Their Own.
sc104906's review
3.0
I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Set in the 1940s, Nick and his friends play pickup baseball games at the local greenspace, which so happens to be in the middle of the city zoo. Nick's outfield position places him way too close to the Rhino exhibit and sometimes he has to retrieve a stray ball from the rhino's pen. However, his love of baseball makes him take chances and continue to face his rhino fears. Nick's family is originally from Greece and they work hard to succeed in America, especially Nick's father, who works hard at his shoe shop and expects the same from Nick. Saturday's are devoted to the family business, no matter the baseball games going on at the zoo. Recently someone bought the local baseball team and plans on turning it around and making it fun again. All of the boys are encouraged to take part in a competition of baseball skills to win the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the opening game. Unfortunately, the competition is on a Saturday. Nick's father won't let him go and his uncle is up to something, so he won't cover for Nick in the shop. Nick may just has to resort to unsavory actions to get to the competition.
This novel was cute and interesting. I had hoped there would be illustrations throughout because the illustration on the cover of this book was gorgeous and would have added to the story. It was exactly what I expected to find and certainly explores the concept of work ethic vs all work no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Set in the 1940s, Nick and his friends play pickup baseball games at the local greenspace, which so happens to be in the middle of the city zoo. Nick's outfield position places him way too close to the Rhino exhibit and sometimes he has to retrieve a stray ball from the rhino's pen. However, his love of baseball makes him take chances and continue to face his rhino fears. Nick's family is originally from Greece and they work hard to succeed in America, especially Nick's father, who works hard at his shoe shop and expects the same from Nick. Saturday's are devoted to the family business, no matter the baseball games going on at the zoo. Recently someone bought the local baseball team and plans on turning it around and making it fun again. All of the boys are encouraged to take part in a competition of baseball skills to win the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the opening game. Unfortunately, the competition is on a Saturday. Nick's father won't let him go and his uncle is up to something, so he won't cover for Nick in the shop. Nick may just has to resort to unsavory actions to get to the competition.
This novel was cute and interesting. I had hoped there would be illustrations throughout because the illustration on the cover of this book was gorgeous and would have added to the story. It was exactly what I expected to find and certainly explores the concept of work ethic vs all work no play makes Jack a dull boy.
sasbybelle's review
4.0
This is a fun adventure of a boy and his friends living the American dream with a baseball contest and a rhino that escapes during a parade. In learning honesty, Nick also reminds his parents about having fun.
libraryjen's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
A quick, sweet read about a young boy in 1948, child of Greek immigrants and baseball. Definitely read the author's note at the end! Highly recommended to anyone that enjoys baseball and middle grade books. It's easy to see why this one was chosen for a Texas Bluebonnet award.
melodierhae's review
3.0
I think this book struggled to find what it wanted to be about.
I love Nicky's story (and that it's REAL!). I love this story about children of immigrants reconciling various cultural values. I love the b plot about the bully.
I REALLY loved the C plot with Penny. I would have loved to hear this story from Penny's perspective...I understand that Dekyser writes from Nicky's view because he is her dad and the source material, but I almost felt like her story fell in a weird ground where it was made to sound important, but was not given enough page-time to warrant that importance.
A book I'll definitely be recommending to kids...but it's definitely not a book for me.
I love Nicky's story (and that it's REAL!). I love this story about children of immigrants reconciling various cultural values. I love the b plot about the bully.
I REALLY loved the C plot with Penny. I would have loved to hear this story from Penny's perspective...I understand that Dekyser writes from Nicky's view because he is her dad and the source material, but I almost felt like her story fell in a weird ground where it was made to sound important, but was not given enough page-time to warrant that importance.
A book I'll definitely be recommending to kids...but it's definitely not a book for me.
the_fabric_of_words's review
5.0
End the summer right. In right field, that is.
This is a gem of a story. Just look at the cover. Anything that features a rhino butt in a baseball cap is sure to grab - and hold - my son's (reading) attention.
For me, it brought back fond memories of sharing a fence with the farm team for the Toronto Blue Jays in my hometown. My elementary school held "Field Day" on their field, and players would hit balls over the chain-link to us when we were at recess.
This story was even better - it mixed rhinos and baseball and, gee whiz bang, girls! We laughed so hard we cried in some parts. Awesome way to end the summer...in right field, dodging rhinos.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
This is a gem of a story. Just look at the cover. Anything that features a rhino butt in a baseball cap is sure to grab - and hold - my son's (reading) attention.
For me, it brought back fond memories of sharing a fence with the farm team for the Toronto Blue Jays in my hometown. My elementary school held "Field Day" on their field, and players would hit balls over the chain-link to us when we were at recess.
This story was even better - it mixed rhinos and baseball and, gee whiz bang, girls! We laughed so hard we cried in some parts. Awesome way to end the summer...in right field, dodging rhinos.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
okiecozyreader's review
4.0
So many students love sports and animals, so what’s not to love? And it’s funny and relatable. I have seen parents comment about all the tough issues books cover (and many of those are amazing) and ask if there are books that are just fun reading, well, this is a great example.
Even though it takes place in the 1940s, the story is every bit relatable to students today, with bullies, friendship and family relationships to navigate. The characters are all enjoyable and interesting. The bits of Greek throughout are a fun touch, and the author’s note at the end wraps it all up.
One of the things I loved best about this book, is that it is written to engage 3rd-6th grade students. With quick, short chapters, it engages readers. I have so many 5-6th grade students that don’t finish books, and I think the format of these chapters would keep them interested. Also, it’s length at 257 pages is great for reluctant readers.
Even though it takes place in the 1940s, the story is every bit relatable to students today, with bullies, friendship and family relationships to navigate. The characters are all enjoyable and interesting. The bits of Greek throughout are a fun touch, and the author’s note at the end wraps it all up.
One of the things I loved best about this book, is that it is written to engage 3rd-6th grade students. With quick, short chapters, it engages readers. I have so many 5-6th grade students that don’t finish books, and I think the format of these chapters would keep them interested. Also, it’s length at 257 pages is great for reluctant readers.