In this nod to the poem "Casey at the Bat," Casey has choked, and the Mudville Nine need someone to replace him. Enter Joy, a female pitcher with an unusual style. She doesn't just pitch; she hikes the ball, lobs it like a tennis serve, and sends it arcing toward the batter with a jump shot. Joy is determined to rescue the team, while also showing everyone that girls excel at many sports. A reprint of "Casey at the Bat" is provided as an endnote.
This is an enjoyable story with a creative heroine. Many kids will likely find Joy's inventive pitching styles humorous, although baseball purists might balk. Because of the ample sports terminology, some comprehension help may be necessary for those not familiar with baseball, football, and the like. The rhyme scheme leads to some very awkward sections where the rhythm is thrown completely off; still, it would make for a fun read-aloud, especially among sports fans.
EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn
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