by Kathy Mackel
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by Weezie Kerr Mackey
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by Paul Mantell
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by Amy Goldman Koss
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by Ann M. Martin
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–This is an interesting story that needed to be written. It specifically deals with girls' fast-pitch softball and Madelyn Catherine, a 12-year-old New Hampshire catcher, but the themes relate to competition, parental interference in all kids' sports, and winning by any means necessary. The book has enough humor to lend a light touch to the more serious issues. The Sting has always been a good team, and the girls enjoy playing, until the board of directors/parents reorganize it in order to compete nationally. Some of the new members used to be rivals and they replace some of Mad Cat's good friends. With this change in direction, everything else changes–the mood becomes more businesslike, the games are more cutthroat than fun. Parents control the coach and decide who plays. There are fights, ejections, players intentionally hit by pitches, etc. After a bad experience at the national championships, the girls return home and several of them reassess their priorities. Their relationships are well portrayed and it is heartening to see friendships spring up among previous rivals. This book is sure to be a hit with girls who are into sports. It would be great if their parents read it, too.–Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI
From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. Though better known for oddball fantasies, Mackel also writes rousing sports stories.Tough-as-nails catcher Madelyn Catherine (you'd better call her MadCat) is excited at the prospect of seeing the Norwich, New Hampshire, Sting, her fast-pitch softball team, upgraded into national contenders and profoundly disturbed that the change means cutting weaker players to make room for stars from other local teams. As the Sting works its way up to and into the finals, the author seamlessly weaves in parents (sensible and ruthless); family issues (including MadCat's father's struggle to live with multiple sclerosis); an assortment of resilient, generous, fleshed-out young characters; and unforced insights on what winning and team play are really about. Through it all shines MadCat's love for the sport: "We were slimy with sweat, coated with dirt, and stinking like an umpire's coffee breath. But we were golden." With a credible plot, a distinct narrative voice, and sparky dialogue, this is a winner in any league. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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› Visit Amazon's Kathy Mackel Page
› Visit Amazon's Kathy Mackel Page
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
I was so mad, I could spit. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New Hampshire, Blair Reed, Ginny Page, Bridget Ryan, Coach Mac, Coach Beefsteak, Madelyn Catherine, New England, Jessica Page, National Qualifier, Nissitissit Middle School, World Series, Mellissa Kubit, Sam Murphy, Devil Rays, Friendship Tournament, Jess Page New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
I was so mad, I could spit. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New Hampshire, Blair Reed, Ginny Page, Bridget Ryan, Coach Mac, Coach Beefsteak, Madelyn Catherine, New England, Jessica Page, National Qualifier, Nissitissit Middle School, World Series, Mellissa Kubit, Sam Murphy, Devil Rays, Friendship Tournament, Jess Page New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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