This novel seems intended primarily to convey the rules and terminology of baseball as it was played in the late 1800s. Talk of "gardens" rather than outfields and "strikers" instead of batters may interest modern sports fans, but readers who'd prefer characterization and a genuine story arc will be disappointed. The illustrations range from cleverly detailed to sketchily unfinished.

Gr 1-3-The first title, written for first and second graders, is a fictionalized story about Oakley's childhood. Young Annie's father is caught in a snowstorm and the girl and her younger brother trap birds for their family's food. Crockett, which is suitable for second and third graders, covers the frontiersman's life to his last stand at the Alamo. Each chapter begins with a tall tale that relates to the material that follows. Oakley is illustrated with cartoon color art and Crockett with realistic, ink-and-watercolor pictures that often cover spreads. Both titles are adequate additions to most collections.-Lynda S. Poling, Long Beach Public Library, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.