by Paul Mullen
ISBN-10: 1933197293
Review by Heather Froeschl
The smack of the bat hitting the ball is a sound little leaguers and parents alike adore. Watching my boy play ball is one of my favorite things; seeing him reading is another. Paul Mullen’s “The Day I Hit a Home Run at Great American Ball Park” is a pretty pitch to aim for in both ballparks.
Michael “Fuji” Powers is coming into his own through a summer of baseball, the love of family, and the adventures of childhood. Getting his chance to prove himself on the field is what every ball player deserves and Michael gets his chance to shine. Neighborhood games and a first love, night fishing and selling candy bars are all part of the deal in what turns out to be a well rounded book that middle readers and adults will enjoy.
Michael endures the bully of the team, runs many laps to make amends for errors, and gets his shot at fame when the team’s second baseman gets drafted to another team. Playing at Great American Park was the dream; playing well becomes the goal.
This endearing tale of America’s favorite pastime, the importance of friends and family, and growing up just a little, is a great read. The plot runs smoothly and the story is fantastic. There was a bit of confusion in what year the tale takes place, only in reference to popular icons and the manner of speech of the characters. It is as if the author were capturing his own youth in print but putting it into a story of today. Overall, Paul Mullen has done an excellent job of offering an enticing read.
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