Cal Ripken, Jr.: Play Ball! (Easy-to-Read, Dial) [Hardcover]

Gail Herman (Adapter), Cal Ripken (Author), Mike Bryan (Author), Stan Silver (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up | Series: Easy-to-Read, Dial

Cal Ripken, Jr.'s autobiography The Only Way I Know was published in 1997 to rave reviews by critics and fans alike. Publishers Weekly called it "an unusually good sports autobiography that captures the candor and generous spirit of [the] man," while Booklist called it "superior....Excellent baseball fare." Now this number one best-seller has been adapted for children sure to score a hit with young readers. This adaptation for beginning readers is written to an Easy-to-Read Level 3. In simple, clear language, it presents the highlights of Cal Ripken's life and career and his philosophy: "Play well and play every day." The art combines photos from The Only Way I Know and action-packed illustrations by Stan Silver.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4This beginning chapter book about the Baltimore Orioles hero who broke the record for playing the most games in a row is sure to be a hit with young baseball fans, but its appeal will not be limited to them. Adapted from Ripkens autobiography, The Only Way I Know (Viking, 1997), the text is nicely balanced with portrayals of both slumps and streaks, anecdotes and statistics. The combination of first-person narration with full-color photographs and realistic paintings that depict both the drama of baseball and ordinary childhood moments will pull kids into the life and thoughts of this hardworking player. The books greatest strength is Ripkens unflappable persistence and philosophical approach to rough times, whether personal or professional. A one-page list of career highlights is included. Accessible to a slightly younger audience than Ripken and Doug Keiths Count Me In (Taylor, 1995), this title is a pro in a genre glutted with farm leaguers.Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 1st edition (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803724152
• ISBN-13: 978-0803724150
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,560,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for beginning readers and baseball players, February 8, 2010

By 

J. Zimmel (PIpe Creek, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cal Ripken, Jr.: Play Ball! (Puffin Easy-to-Read, Level3) (Mass Market Paperback)

I bought this book for my first grader. He plays baseball and he was able to read the book and enjoy it!