Stranger in Right Field (Peach Street Mudders Series)

by Matt Christopher, Bert Dodson (Illustrator)

Overview

Right fielder Alfie Maples is mystified by the newest member of the Peach Street Mudders. As far as Alfie can see, Roberti Frantelli can barely catch a ball or hit. Then Coach Parker asks Alfie to show the newcomer the ropes. Alfie is flattered and teaches Roberti all he can -- but begins to suspect that the coach plans to start Roberti in his position in the next game! Who is this strange new player, and can Alfie continue to help him play his best?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781599533223
Publisher:	Norwood House Press
Publication date:	08/01/2009
Series:	Peach Street Mudders Series
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	6.76(w) x 8.64(h) x 0.18(d)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Matt Christopher (1917-1997) was an American writer of children's books. He wrote more than 400 novels and short stories, mainly featuring sports. After his death, his family has overseen the production of ghost written books under his name. Born in Bath, Pennsylvania, Christopher was a gifted athlete as a child, which influenced his primary topic of writing. In addition to sports books, he also enjoyed writing detective fiction; his first published novel before the successful The Lucky Baseball Bat was Look for the Body, a murder mystery written for adults.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 2-3Alfie 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 storyand 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

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