BUILDING A TEAM A Baseball Buddies Story

Narrator Alan Crookham exuberantly takes to the baseball field with a team of 11-year-old boys and girls. Listeners join Luis, who's moved from Texas to Ohio, where he shyly joins the Manatees, led by popular Coach Joe. Everyone is surprised when Coach announces the team will have a new captain--reluctant Luis. Crookham shines as each kid shares why they enjoy baseball. The group includes friendly, accommodating Gary; big-mouth Jimmie; and Aliya, who is furious at not having been chosen to be captain. Unsurprisingly, Luis has many challenges--genuinely portrayed--as he slowly builds the team and influences adversaries' attitudes. These changes are apparent when the kids cheer for each other and begin winning. This audiobook wonderfully demonstrates the fun of real teamwork. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2024]