Middle-graders who are more apt to gravitate toward playing fields than libraries are the prime audience for this well-pitched photo-essay. Crisp, conversational text and energetic photos follow 13-year-old Kenny Garibaldi through a grueling yet gratifying 14-hour day as batboy for the San Francisco Giants' spring training in Arizona. Kenny performs such less-than-glamorous tasks as cleaning the mud from players' shoes, carrying their dirty uniforms to the laundry room and stocking the lockers. But a batboy's lot is not all drudgery: Kenny shares a slice of pizza with the visiting Willie Mays, lines up next to the Giants as the national anthem plays and rushes on-field to retrieve thrown bats and helmets. Besides describing Kenny's enticing job, Anderson (Cowboys) briskly portrays the rigors of spring training and takes a quick detour through the farm teams. The selection of pictures by newspaper photographer Cavanaugh strikes a pleasing balance of behind-the-scenes and on-field shots, alternating also between portraits of Kenny and larger views of the ballpark milieu. Sure to hit home with its audience. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Although there are several books on the subject available, this one focuses on an actual team (the San Francisco Giants) during spring training. Each aspect of batboy Kenny Garibaldi's day is depicted in the crisply written text and colorful, clear photographs. Anderson captures the atmosphere in the clubhouse and conveys the hard work that goes into being a professional baseball player; and, more importantly, the long hours and drudgery involved in being an effective batboy. The only glamour associated with Kenny's job comes from the proximity to the players (most of whom ignore him). The text and pictures mesh wonderfully, making this an enjoyable book for any young baseball fan.?Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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