Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there's nothing offensive about this book and the message is a worthy one for every one -- young or old.
Families can talk about how it feels to win and how it feels to lose. Is it hard to try again after losing a game? Why is it important to do so? What are some things we can tell ourselves when we're feeling pessimistic about our chances? Is there value in playing even if winning is unlikely?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Dawn Friedman
Cal Ripken Jr. may be a baseball legend but that doesn't mean that he doesn't know what it is to go through hard times. In fact, says Ripken on the front page of the book, he became an intimate friend to losing after he had established himself as a winner.
And so Ripken launches into the story of his season in 1988. The year the Orioles finished last. The year when every game was a disaster. The year that felt like forever.
The frustration and sadness of the players is aptly conveyed in Mazellan's paintings. The realistic but hazy illustrations underline the yesterday feeling of the real events.
Parents will appreciate the book's message and kids will appreciate the lack of lecturing. Ripken sets a good example without ever getting preachy.
The book is long and 4-year olds who aren't fans of baseball are unlikely to sit still for it. That said, the top age recommended by the publisher (8 years) seems a bit young since my 10-year old read it and pronounced it "good" despite having left picture books behind some years ago.
From The Book
We still haven't won a game, but when you've lost twenty straight to open the season, you look for little victories along the way. Today, against the Minnesota Twins, our offense comes alive, scoring six runs on eleven hits. Bill and I have two hits apiece, and I drive in two runs.
Plot Summary:
Cal Ripken Jr. shares the story of his losing streak in 1988 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.
Related Books:
Other picture books by real life baseball players
Out of the Ballpark by Alex Rodriguez
Count Me In! Positivity for Kids by Cal Ripken Jr.
Play Ball! by Jorge Posada
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
||
Violence |
|
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social Behavior |
 |
|
||
Commercialism |
 |
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
