Reviewed by TFK Kid Reporter: Khyle Easterwood

Book Title: The Big Field

Author: Mike Lupica

Genre: Realistic fiction

Number of pages: (Paperback) 243 (Hardback) 288

Basic Story Line:
Hutch started out as a shortstop on the Cardinals, the same position his father once played. Then Darryl Williams (D-Will) came. This meant Hutch would be replaced with D-Will and positioned as second baseman. Hutch knew this wasn’t where he belonged. One day Hutch found his father giving fielding tips to D-Will which upset Hutch. After all, this was the same father who wouldn’t bother to help, much less watch, his own son play. Hutch gets jealous and confronts his teammate D-Will by fighting. The team makes it all the way to the championship game and Hutch’s dad finally shows.What will Hutch do?

Were the characters believable?
Yes. Each character acts, responds, has feelings, and has his own. There were no events in the book that made the story seem unrealistic. This made the story sound real.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially kids who are into sports, baseball specifically. One thing I have to say to people who aren’t into baseball is don’t judge this book by its cover. I am really not interested in baseball but this book did two things: taught me more about the sport and reminded me to always believe in myself, even if it seems like no one else does.

What is not-so-great about this book?
One thing that is not-so-great is that the first chapter or two can be very confusing, because it is hard to follow. After awhile, you catch on with the story and find it hard to put down.

On a rating of 1 to 10, what you give this book?
I would give this book a 10. When you are reading this book it’s like you really are on the different fields playing the game of baseball, and you feel like you are each and every character! This story shows you have to believe in yourself, even if you feel like no one else believes in you!