Stranger in Right Field

The coach asks Alfie to help Robert, the newest and least talented member of the team, learn how to better play ball, but Alfie realizes that Robert is being trained to fill Alfie's place and wonders if he should continue to give his assistance.

Grade 2-3?Alfie Maples is puzzled when he sees that the newest member of the Peach Street Mudders baseball team cannot catch or hit the ball very well. He is even more suspicious when the coach asks him to help Roberti Frantelli learn the ropes. Because Alfie is not a star player, he is worried that the coach will replace him with Roberti, whom he has taught everything he knows. Again, Christopher has made his major character a boy with whom young readers can empathize. Woven within the plot are subtle pointers on how to play the game. Pen-and-ink sketches illustrate the action. It's unfortunate that the publisher has again printed the annoying ad on the back cover enticing readers to join the Matt Christopher Fan Club by sending a dollar with no mention of what they'll get in return. That aside, readers will enjoy this story?and it's most unlikely that they'll guess the ending that explains why Roberti is on the team.?Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.