The Super Sluggers: Slumpbuster
Grade 3–5—Soon-to-be-sixth-grader Banjo H. Bishbash plays third base for the Rambletown Rounders. He is also known as the "Walloper" because of his homerun-hitting streak. However, one day during an important game he strikes out and a "funny-looking thing" begins hanging over his head. "That rubbery black pillow of a thing" is Banjo's batter's slump. Goofy names and excessive hyperbole will have readers either smiling or groaning. Pen-and-ink illustrations help readers visualize the action and add to the humor. Repetitive phrasing such as "would have been nice..." becomes tedious, but the interesting descriptive similes coupled with some clever metaphors make for a lively, if uneven, read. Fans of Matt Christopher's sports stories, or readers who simply appreciate play-by-play action, might pick this up.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.