Oliver's Game (Tavares baseball books)
Grade 1-4–As he did inZachary's Ball(Candlewick, 2000), Tavares creates a moving tribute to baseball. Young Oliver Hall is named after his grandfather, who runs a collectibles store near Wrigley Field. They share a love of the sport and Oliver relishes his grandfather's stories about the "Golden Age of the Game." When the boy uncovers an old Chicago Cubs uniform, he is astonished to discover that it belongs to his grandfather. The man relates how, back in 1941 when he was 18 years old, the Cubs' manager saw him playing stickball, invited him to practice with the team, and gave him a uniform. After watching Oliver hit one over the bleachers, the manager encouraged him to try out for the team. However, when Pearl Harbor was bombed, Oliver joined the Marines instead. After suffering a career-ending injury, he returned home to find that baseball evoked bittersweet feelings, until the thrilling World Series of 1945 reawakened his love for it. The sepia-toned illustrations, done in pencil and watercolor, create a lushly nostalgic mood. Reminiscent of Chris Van Allsburg's style, Tavares's artwork is notable for its vivid detail and animation. The text masterfully weaves together tradition, perseverance, loyalty, and family lore, and the result will enchant baseball fans young and old. Pair this well-crafted offering with Donald Hall's excellentWhen Willard Met Babe Ruth(Harcourt, 1996).–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.