From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6. Life has hit the skids for 12-year-old Spencer Atwood. Since his parents' divorce, money has been very tight. When he and his mother are forced to move out of the house they can no longer afford, he is told that he cannot keep his cat, Foxey. Spencer takes his pet and leaves for San Francisco to find his estranged father, who, based on a recent postcard, might work at Candlestick Park. The journey tests the boy's principles when he is forced to steal food and transportation. His money lost, he puts his trust in a kind old man who agrees to care for Foxey temporarily. Arriving at the ballpark, Spencer finds his father, but soon realizes that he can't live with him. The boy returns to Mr. Woodworth's house, hoping that he and the cat can live there, but finds that the old man has just died of a heart attack after changing his will and leaving his savings to Spencer. Beneath the easily met challenges and the convenient ending is a warm story of a boy's emotional growth. While his mother is self-absorbed and oblivious to the importance of her son's relationship with his pet, Spencer is a likable, self-reliant young man with strong values. The ballpark and cat on the cover will attract readers, but it is Spencer's strength of character and his bond with Foxey that make the book work.?Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Gr. 5^-8. Although times have been tough for 12-year-old Spencer and his mom since his dad left three years ago, his cat, Foxey, has always been there for him. But Aunt May, with whom Spencer and his mother are living, has a daughter who is allergic to cats, and it looks like Foxey will finally have to go. Unwilling to give up his beloved pet, the boy leaves Seattle to find his father, who Spencer is sure will want his son and Foxey, too. Convinced his dad works for the San Francisco Giants, Spencer embarks on a long, difficult journey during which his honesty and integrity are repeatedly tested. Some children may be disappointed to discover that this isn't a baseball story, as the title suggests, but readers who stick with the novel will be rewarded with a fast-paced, exciting adventure. A good choice for reading aloud as well as starting class discussion.
Lauren Peterson
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
