The Bat Boy and His Violin

by Gavin Curtis

Book Overview

A young aspiring violinist learns the value of family ties and team spirit in this picture book lushly illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner E.B. Lewis about a down-on-their-luck baseball team and the music that turns their season around.

Reginald loves to create beautiful music on his violin. But Papa, manager of the Dukes, the worst team in the Negro National League, needs a bat boy, not a "fiddler," and traveling with the Dukes doesn't...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689800991
• ISBN13: 9780689800993
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 11.3" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A wonderful story on many levels

This book has so many themes superimposed on one another, but they are all presented within the context of a wonderful story about a boy who just wanted to play his violin. Set among the context of the Negro League era, Reginald's father decides one summer to make him bat boy for his team. The team is down on its luck, and Reginald's heart isn't in this assignment, but everything comes together for him and the team one day. The history of the era as gently portrayed in the travels of the players is presented for young readers. The story of being true to yourself, and of parents learning to accept that in their children, is here as well. Above all else, the story of Reginald and his journeys with the ball players is a story of hope and triumph among the community in a time that was not always seen as one of hope. Along with all of this, the illustrations of E. B. Lewis capture these themes beautifully.

Story about a time of prejudice and how people change.

Reginald's father is the manager of a baseball team in the Negro league. Reginald would rather play his violin than a else. His dad signs him up to be a bat boy. Reginals plays his violin for the team which starts them on a winning streak. Shows insight into world of music impact and Negro ball players.

Brought tears to my eyes and a warm feeling to my soul.

My son and I absolutely loved the story and illustrations. We can't wait for Gavin Curtis to write his next book, and for E.B. Lewis to illustrate his next book. Continue to keep up the high standards for children's books. We love to read! Reading is one of my most favorite things to share with my son who will be 5 in July. Thank you again to the both of you for a book well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coretta Scott King Award - Honor Book

This wonderfully illustrated and written book has deservedly won the destinction of being selected as an honor book by the Coretta Scott King Award selection committee. Enjoy!

History, heart, and an ending to make you weep

In the twilight days of the Negro Leagues, a gruff manager of a losing Negro League team is unhappy that his musical son spends all his time practicing his "fiddle." He hauls the unwilling and sensitive boy to games, to employ him as a bat boy....and the magic, not to be revealed here, begins. A lovely book about appreciating differences.