THIS is what a young adult book should be! Fantastic writing, compelling story. I almost didn't check it out because it's 500 pages long and I wasn't in the mood, but I'm ever so glad I did. It turned out to be a quick read.

I need to stop saying I'm not a baseball fan. Just about every book I read or movie I watch with a baseball theme (carefully chosen) turns out to be a joy, and this is no exception. I should start saying I don't follow baseball, because it's boring.

This story is definitely about baseball, but it's not hard core, and the baseball stuff isn't dragged out unnecessarily. Also, there isn't any terminology that the average non-baseball follower wouldn't know. So it's palatable. And it makes you sort of want to go watch a Little League game, which, I know--crazy.

And for the fantasy lover, there are plenty of creatures, monsters, fairies, and magical goings on in addition to the sports and coming of age stuff. Seriously. 500 pages. This book has it all.