Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Make-Believe Ball Player
 
See larger image
 
Tell the Publisher!
I'd like to read this book on Kindle

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Make-Believe Ball Player [Paperback]

Alfred Slote (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)


Available from these sellers.


Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
Hardcover --  
Paperback --  

Book Description

9 and up
In real life, Henry is clumsy, nearsighted, and slow to react -- not exactly a star athlete. But in Henry's games of make-believe baseball, he's always a winner, no matter what. Henry has played real ball, and he doesn't like it very much. Somehow, no matter how hard he tries, he ends up losing the game for his team. Imaginary games are much better: He can play any position he wants, and he can also impersonate both teams, the coaches, and even the crowd.

Then one night Henry finds himself in the middle of a dangerous situation. And as a result of the attention that follows, Henry is drawn back into the world of real baseball -- and is given another chance to be a real sports hero!


Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- Henry Smith, a lonely nine year old, pretends to be a natural at both playing sports and winning. When faced with burglars in his house, he uses his brains and imagination to scare them off. Because of his heroics, "Smitty" finds himself the focus of the media in an actual softball game. Once again his quick thinking and imagination help him out. Slote's fast-paced plot featuring a likable protagonist make for an entertaining sports story. Henry, with all of his strengths and weaknesses, comes alive through interaction with his unusual family, his new friends, and his coach. The story breezes along with plenty of dialogue and lively descriptive passages. It should be a hit with young readers. --Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Alfred Slote is the author of over thirty books, most of them for young people. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  • Paperback: 104 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (May 1992)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0064404250
  • ISBN-13: 978-0064404259
  • Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,608,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

 

Customer Reviews

2 Reviews
5 star:    (0)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, May 20, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Make-Believe Ball Player (Paperback)
This book was very good. The reason I choose to read this wasbecause I read another book by Alfred Slote called "Finding BuckMcHenry" (which I highly recommend). This is about a 10 year old boy who is very clumsy but loves to play baseball. That is make believe baseball! It is a very good book and has a cute and happy ending I recommend it to ANYBODY!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A lesson to the imaginative child about how powerful imagination can be, November 12, 2007
This review is from: Make-Believe Ball Player (Paperback)
This book reminded me of my youth. Henry is a clumsy, nearsighted ten-year old boy who plays imaginary baseball games, making spectacular plays on the baseball field. Enamored with baseball when I was young, I did the same thing. For hours, I would take a baseball bat and murder the pitches of Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson and Denny McClain.
When Henry gets into a game in order to avoid a forfeit, his attention wanders and he gets hit on the head by a batted ball. Forced to leave the game, he is taken home where he never wants to set foot on a real diamond again. However, Henry thwarts an attempted robbery at his house and is acclaimed a community hero. This puts him on the spot where he has to play and while he does not dazzle on the diamond, he uses his talent for voices to fool a base runner. After these successes, Henry tries out for the play and is an immediate hit. While he never reaches the point where he will play outstanding baseball, he does acquire the confidence to continue to play.
This is a story for the imaginative child rather than the physical child. Imagination is one of the most powerful weapons in the human arsenal. Properly channeled it helps us do great things. That is a message that all children should learn and adults should keep in mind.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Only search this product's reviews



Tag this product

 (What's this?)
Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items.
Your tags: Add your first tag
 

Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more

Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   
Related forums


Listmania!


Create a Listmania! list

So You'd Like to...


Create a guide


Look for Similar Items by Category


Look for Similar Items by Subject