Stranger in Right Field

October 1, 1997
Gr 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

September 1, 1997
Gr. 2^-4. Alfie is insecure about his baseball skills and can't understand why Coach Parker asks him to work with the newest teammate, Roberti. Alfie fears Roberti is after his position in the outfield, but he befriends Roberti anyway. As Roberti's baseball improves, Alfie doubts the wisdom of his helpfulness. Roberti is quiet about himself and comes to practice in a limousine, facts that puzzle all the members of the Peach Street Mudders. An unexpected ending will delight young readers, and baseball fans will enjoy the descriptions of the games and accompanying emotions. Occasional black-and-white illustrations aid in making this a good choice for early readers. ((Reviewed Sept. 1, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)