Written by: Bob Raczka
Illustrated by: Glin Dibley
Carolrhoda Books, 2014, Hardcover
Target Audience: Ages 3-8
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Gender, Perseverance, Being Unique
How We Discovered This Book: When my writing partner Joanna was here for a visit, she entered my children in a drawing at our independent bookstore. My daughter Elizabeth won an autographed copy of this book.
Summary:
It begins where the famous poem “Casey at the Bat” ends (it’s in the back for reference if you need to refresh your memory). A girl pitcher is brought in to restore the team’s reputation, and she has some unorthodox methods for saving the day.
What I Liked:
I like this book because a girl is the hero in a traditional boy’s sport. She comes to the rescue, but with her own way of doing things.
What Did My Kids Think?
Both my kids love this book, and it is on frequent rotation for reading before bed. It’s about a girl and baseball, which keeps them both interested.
Resources:
Read “Casey at the Bat” aloud – for the first time, or once again!
Check out the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown. If you’re nearby, plan a visit.
Read the amazing recent story of Mo’Ne Davis, the female Little League pitcher who was the first girl to throw a shut-out game in Little League World Series history. She is also the first Little Leaguer on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
A Life Spent Reading 
Oh, what a perfect book to hand a girl. I love this story and am getting it for my granddaughter. Girls need to break out of gender roles and do or be anything they want. Such a great example.
There are so many great books coming out that break the gender stereotypes. Thanks for adding another mo my list.
Cute! I am not a sports fan, but I can see how kids would be entertained with this book. My stepdaughter was the only girl on her T-Ball team, and that’s just what they called her: “The Girl”! Have a Happy Thanksgiving Celebration!
What a great story of discovering a favorite book. Sounds like I would like it too!
What a great idea for a book. File that under “I wish I’d thought of that” titles!
Now I’ve got a new one to give to one of my nieces for Christmas. Yay! Thank you!
This looks like great fun. And I agree with Joanne – one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” books.
I’m so glad this book was a hit! (get it?) Like Jarm, I’m not a sports fan per se, but I love the premise.