Rosie in Chicago: Play Ball! (Aladdin Historical Fiction) [Paperback]

Carol Matas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 2003 | Series: Aladdin Historical Fiction

Life in Chicago sure is busy for Rosie. Between school and working as an usher in her father's nickelodeon, she has little time for play. She hears all about the Chicago baseball scene, though, from Abe, one of her younger brothers. He's always talking about the fierce rivalry between two teams, the Tigers and the Chavarim. Things really heat up when the Chavarim's top player gets hurt, with only one deciding game left in the season. The team's in a bind and they need help...fast!

With an arm and a spirit stronger than most boys', Rosie seems to her brothers an obvious choice for a substitute player. Maintaining her disguise as a boy to play with the all-male Chavarim is a big enough challenge without having to deal with bullies on the other team -- and the sidelines -- who are standing between her and a win. But fortunately for the Chavarim, nothing can stop this girl!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7-- fun book full of drama, excitement, suspense, and life lessons all wrapped around a baseball game, set in the early 1900s. In this second story about Rosie, the spunky 12-year-old has been unsuccessful at making friends since her move from New York City. She spends much of her free time working as an usher in one of her father's nickelodeons, disguised as a boy. When her brother Abe's baseball team, the Chavarims, comes up a player short for an important game, Rosie fills in since she plays as well as the boys. The game between the Russian Jewish team and the Tigers, who are German Jews, has many tense situations and a variety of characters and personalities. Rosie succeeds at fooling everyone until an outstanding play results in an excited tumble and her cap comes off, exposing the braid pinned up underneath. Throughout, Coach Kobrinsky helps her face many challenges, including bullies, trying to concentrate on the game, and choosing the right thing to do. The lively writing captures the blow-by-blow events of the game and provides quick action and easy-to-follow dialogue. Some interesting historical information, including the limitations placed on girls at the time, adds much food for thought.--Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
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About the Author

Carol Matas is the award-winning author of over thirty books for young people. She is married and has two grown children. Carol divides her time between the United States and Canada.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (November 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689857152
• ISBN-13: 978-0689857157
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,503,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)