 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Longest Season
Common Sense Media says
Cal Ripken Jr.'s losing season in 1988.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's nothing offensive about this book. The message is a worthy one for every one -- young or old.
What's the story?
Cal Ripken Jr. shares the story of his losing streak in 1988 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.
Is it any good?
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 and every game was a disaster.
The frustration and sadness of the players is aptly conveyed in Ron Mazellan's paintings. 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, but the top age recommended by the publisher (8 years) seems a bit young.
What families can talk about
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?
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Great life lesson
A story of perseverance in the face of adversity, and an example of how, sometimes, you are going to lose, but you still have to keep trying. A story children of any age should hear.
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| Author: | Cal Ripken, Jr. |
| Illustrator: | Ron Mazellan |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Publisher: | Philomel |
| Publication date: | April 5, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
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