Aimed at younger independent readers, Adler's latest features a boy who turns out to be the youngest and smallest player on his baseball team, the Lions. Mo is introduced at home as he is practicing his swing (using a carrot as his bat) and looking forward to the game ahead. His confidence dips once he gets to the field and sees that he's batting last (as usual) and playing right field (where nothing ever seems to happen). Adler's text is clear and straightforward, as the Lions and the Bears proceed to battle it out, and Ricks' illustrations nicely capture Mo's expressions as he experiences the thrills and agonies of his baseball game. Although he is nervous under pressure, Mo is supported and encouraged by his teammates and (female) coach, and the end is happy: a lucky break has him leading his team to victory. A fine introduction to the wonderful world of baseball stories.

Gr 1-3 Mo Jackson is a little kid with a big love for baseball. Unfortunately, he is smaller and younger than the rest of the players on his team, the Lions. When Coach Marie assigns the batting order, Mo bats last (usually the spot for the weakest hitter). When she assigns field positions, Mo gets right field (few balls ever go to right field). As the opposing team scores two runs, Mo worries that he will not get a hit. A brown-skinned boy with curly locks that peek out from under his helmet, Mo strikes out his first two times at bat. In the ninth inning with two outs, people are cheering and Coach Marie is shouting. When he turns to hear what she is saying, Mo accidentally hits the ball. The ball then rolls past the pitcher and keeps on rolling, bringing in Mo and the two other players who are on base. In an ending that is neither original nor a surprise, Mo's home run wins the game; even the youngest baseball-playing reader is going to wonder how a slight tap of the bat propelled the ball to roll far enough to bring in three runs. The illustrations are fun with good use of color and perspective, and they depict a multicultural lineup. VERDICT An additional purchase for beginning reader collections. Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Library, SC