Two Hot Dogs with Everything (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Tim Jessell (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8 Eleven-year-old Danny Gurkin is a devoted Sluggers fan, even though the team has won only one championship in its 108-year history (and that took place in their very first season). Hope and superstition are the hallmarks of their doggedly loyal fans. During the season, Danny's life is dictated by a complex web of superstitions that dictate how and where he'll watch the games (always avoiding the wrong side of the sofa), what he'll wear, and what he'll eat (two hot dogs, though the toppings vary by circumstance: a rookie pitcher calls for extra onions, for example). Haven's first novel will delight readers with its whimsically exaggerated detail as he simultaneously celebrates and winks a knowing eye at baseball's cherished folklore and superstitions. The intricate plot, which begins with the curse of the poisoned pretzel, will keep readers on the edge of their seats right up to the glorious finale set during baseball's fall classic. Mysteriously odd characters disappear and reappear. Danny, his friends, and the Sluggers themselves are lovable underdogs, comically earnest, and recognizable to baseball fans everywhere. Haven's quirky style with an eye for oddball detail and comic hyperbole will remind readers of Roald Dahl and Eva Ibbotson. Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. Haven debuts with a long, laid-back tale featuring a perennially hapless baseball team and its most superstitious fan. Though 11-year-old Danny, team ball boy, follows an elaborate regimen whenever the Sluggers are playing ("Never leave a window open when a right-hander is on the mound," etc.), the team is, typically, mired 16 games out. The luck begins to turn, however, after Danny filches a pack of 108-year-old gum from the decrepit mansion of team founder and bubblegum mogul Manchester E. Boddlebrooks. As Danny chews, the Sluggers start winning, ultimately climbing into a tie with the blue-chip Texas Tornadoes. But then, having sailed into celebrity status as team good-luck charm for the Sluggers, Danny captures the eye of the Tornadoes' ruthless owner, billionaire "Diamond" Bob Honeysuckle. Well endowed with stock characters and familiar side plots, as well as nail-biting baseball action that culminates in an epic championship series, this tale is for any kid who has ever turned a cap inside out or crossed a few fingers. Illustrations not seen. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (March 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037583348X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375833489
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,186,311 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teacher's Grade: A-, May 16, 2007

By	N. Bilmes "bookaholic" (Vernon, CT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Two Hot Dogs With Everything (Paperback)

I'm always on the lookout for a good story to read aloud to my 2nd graders, and this one fit the bill. Haven's engaging and quirky characters, combined with the baseball setting, and mysterious goings on made for a lively read that generated a lot of enthusiasm. Parts of this book reminded me of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, while other parts reminded me of Shoeless Joe.

A good story to read aloud, and a perfect one for sports-minded 4-7th graders to relish.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sure to Be a Classic, August 16, 2006

By	J. J. Buck (Pepperell, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is simply a terrific book. Superb plot, colorful characters, beautifully written. It deserves to become a classic the likes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland. My nine-year-old son couldn't put it down and suggested I read it as well. I did and I loved it. In fact, as soon as school starts I will be sharing it with my 2nd grade class. To a casual reader, it is a highly entertaining pageturner. To a teacher, it is more than a great read. It is rich with examples of fiction writing the way it should be. Hurray for Mr. Haven ... and a plea -- please write more!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars another winner, March 24, 2008

By	Eileen Barton "Questioning Reader" (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Two Hot Dogs With Everything (Paperback)

My eight year old baseball nut of a grandson read this cover to cover yesterday as he traveled with his family to Arizona for camping and a couple of spring training games. Given its length, his parents thought it would keep him busy for a couple of days. Not so.