Common Sense Note
Girls who love softball will love this book, which portrays them as important players. Some exciting softball action, and sprightly writing, but problems are resolved too easily.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Monica Wyatt
Plenty of girls have become just as involved in sports as boys. They will cheer a book that portrays girls in sports as completely normal. Everyone in this story treats girls' softball as though it were the only game in town. The local newspaper interviews Allie and prints her pitching statistics as a regular feature. Crowds attend the games.
It's just as though girls never had trouble getting into sports. The girls in this book show no differences at all from boys. If the book were written about boys, only the names would have to be changed. Mackel touches upon none of the difficulties still experienced by girls in sports.
However, the writing sparkles. Her dialogue sounds like real kids, and she peppers the book with humor, such as Molly's wild throws into the stands. Kids will love this book, never noticing the impossibilities that so neatly tie the story together.
Mackel solves Molly's problems instantly. Molly says to her father, "You don't love me at all." Instantly, he transforms his character. Not only does he show love to both girls, but also he suddenly doesn't mind if the team loses. Instantly, we discover that Molly is as talented a catcher as Allie is a pitcher. And instantly, we learn that the team will play in the nationals. Fun, but all too easy.
For a realistic books about girls in sports, see the biography, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, by Russel Freedman. For humor that treats girls in sports honorably, try Jerry Spinelli's There's a Girl In My Hammerlock.
From The Book
Dad was grim. "I need a catcher." He looked at Jeni, Amanda, Laura. They all shook their heads no. He raised his eyebrows at Kelly, Lauren, Alyssa, Erin. More no's. He looked at Rhianna. A big chance for a bench warmer. She was quick to answer. "No way." He never even asked me.
Plot Summary:
Molly envies her big sister Allie, the best softball pitcher in California. Molly also loves softball and plays well, but their father only cares about Allie. Can the two sisters and their father reconcile? Girls in sports have been waiting for this book, which cheers them on all the way, but boys who give it a chance like it too.
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