The Hit-Away Kid

Book Title: The Hit-Away Kid

Author(s): Matt Christopher

Illustrator/Photographer/Artist: George Ulrich

Publisher: Norwood House Press

Copyright Date: 1988 (reissue 2010)

Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction

Brief Annotation: Barry McGee plays baseball for the Peach Street Mudders and he loves to win. He loves it so much that sometimes he’s willing to cheat, even though he knows it’s wrong. After claiming to catch a fly ball that he actually dropped, Barry is feeling pretty guilty but thinks it’s too late to come clean. He gets the chance to redeem himself, however, in a big game against his rival’s team, where Barry lives up to his nickname, “the hit-away kid” and realizes that people can change by doing the right thing.

Your Rating (1-5) and why: 4—The Hit-Away Kids has lots of sports action as well as a positive message. Christopher describes the baseball passages in the story with clear and vivid detail, and he relays an important lesson about playing clean and being honest. The black-and-white sketches scattered throughout the book depict key scenes, but, in my opinion, they really aren’t necessary and don’t do much for the book.

Readers who will like this book: Sports fan, especially readers who like baseball; children who enjoy Matt Christopher’s books; adults wanting to impart the message of fairness and honesty to their young listeners and readers

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: Have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose whether or not to do the right thing? What factors helped you make your decision?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level: Grades 3—5

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 4.5