Centerfield Ballhawk

by Matt Christopher and Houghton Mifflin

Book Overview

Jose Mendez wants to be a great batter just like his father was when he played in the minor leagues. But every time Jose picks up the bat, disaster strikes. Will Jose ever be able to match his dad's .375 batting average?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316142727
• ISBN13: 9780316142724
• Release Date: May 1994
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 59 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 3 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Ballhawk

Christopher has produced an early reader for children to begin reading chapter books (something they are usually very excited about). This one centers on a 9-year old boy trying to become a great hitter to win his father's love. The whole time he doesn't realize that he is an excellent outfielder and his father would love him anyway. A touching story and quick read.Vocabulary is kept basic, and chapters are kept short. However, the amount of baseball knowledge and terminology is incredible. This book may appeal to many children due to the topic, but if they are not prepared for the explanations of baseball plays, they will lose interest.Why 4 stars?:This book was well constructed as far as vocabulary and chapter length to be a beginning chapter book. However, I had to take off one star due to the amount of baseball vernacular that is used and may not be understood by all children. It gets very heavy.