"OK ...
But just because they'll
let you try out ...
it doesn't mean they'll
give you your fair shot
to play.
Yeah, but why wouldn't
they? That'd be a bad
move for the new coach!
Al's great!"
In this second graphic novel in the Brinkley Yearbooks series, Alexandra Olsen is in seventh grade. She's been successfully playing recreation league baseball for a number of years; this year, she decides to try out for the boy's team as that is the only ball team they have at her school. The team has a new coach, who is very happy to welcome Al. Julian Veras also makes the team.
As for the others, Milo moves beyond what is comfortable for him and joins the art club. It's a big step. Viv is interested in the old school mascot and decides to bring the Brinkley Beak back. As the only female member on the ball team, Al is interviewed by a television reporter. Her teammates are not happy and are lacking a will to work together. To deal with their complaints, Al becomes more and more demanding of them.
These are great characters, exhibiting many of the same behaviors that are so prevalent in a middle school setting. Readers will recognize the feelings and issues as ones they may be feeling. Al is a sympathetic and well-developed character whose presence on the team generates opinions and observations about a lack of equity in sports for girls and women. It is interesting to note that little is being mentioned about the girls' basketball team's undefeated season while so much attention is paid to Al and boys' baseball.
Full of the action that comes with middle school sports, and a clear message about teamwork and doing what you do best, this is a novel that will find many fans.
No comments:
Post a Comment