OUT OF LEFT FIELD

Narrator Julie Dretzin fully expresses Katy Gordon's passion for all things baseball. It's 1957, and though she pitches a curveball no boy can hit, fifth-grader Katy has no chance of playing on her local Little League team. Girls aren't allowed. Dretzin makes Katy's determination to play palpable. This believability gives the story credibility when Katy sets out to disguise herself and is chosen to play by a scout--whereupon she displays her gifts more openly and surprises everyone. Before that, Katy's research on female players and letters of protest give Dretzin ample opportunity to express her frustration. The author gracefully weaves in historical context and the stories of others who face prejudice, along with well-developed portrayals of Katy's supportive all-female household. This well-told, discussion-inspiring story makes a great family listen. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2018]