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Ballpark Mysteries Super Special #2
Christmas in Cooperstown
Mike and Kate get the BEST Christmas present ever--a mystery at the Baseball Hall of Fame!
After volunteering to wrap presents for charity, Mike and Kate get a special thank-you: a sleepover at the Baseball Hall of Fame! But when they're sneaking around the museum late at night, their flashlight reveals that one of the famous baseball cards on display is a fake! Can they find the real card, catch the crook, and get the presents to the charity's Christmas party on time? It's up to Mike and Kate to turn this Christmas mess into a Christmas miracle!
Ballpark Mysteries are the all-star matchup of fun sleuthing and baseball action, perfect for readers of Ron Roy's A to Z Mysteries and Matt Christopher's sports books, and younger siblings of Mike Lupica fans. Each Ballpark Mystery also features Dugout Notes, with amazing baseball facts.
After volunteering to wrap presents for charity, Mike and Kate get a special thank-you: a sleepover at the Baseball Hall of Fame! But when they're sneaking around the museum late at night, their flashlight reveals that one of the famous baseball cards on display is a fake! Can they find the real card, catch the crook, and get the presents to the charity's Christmas party on time? It's up to Mike and Kate to turn this Christmas mess into a Christmas miracle!
Ballpark Mysteries are the all-star matchup of fun sleuthing and baseball action, perfect for readers of Ron Roy's A to Z Mysteries and Matt Christopher's sports books, and younger siblings of Mike Lupica fans. Each Ballpark Mystery also features Dugout Notes, with amazing baseball facts.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
53 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
David A. Kelly
66 books95 followersDavid A. Kelly is the author of over 30 children's books, including the bestselling Ballpark Mysteries series, the MVP series, the brand-new Football Mysteries series, and more.
Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the picture books Tee Time on the Moon and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball.
He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. Mr. Kelly lives in Newton, MA, with his family.
For more information, visit David’s webpage – www.davidakellybooks.com. He's available for school and library visits, in person or virtually.
Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the picture books Tee Time on the Moon and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball.
He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. Mr. Kelly lives in Newton, MA, with his family.
For more information, visit David’s webpage – www.davidakellybooks.com. He's available for school and library visits, in person or virtually.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 16, 2018
Just in the place we (my 8 year old son and I) are in the beloved series - we hit the Christmas inspired episode . Cousins Mike and Kate have visited every ballpark of all of the national teams, and in each one they have solved a mystery that was endemic to the teams history or to the features and aspects of the parks themselves and the teams they house. In this book, they are having a sleepover at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown where they live. (Of course). They come to realize that a famous baseball card has been stolen, and naturally, they solve the case. There are some values thrown in there too, for a very nice Christmas/holiday season like ending.
We are two books short of having read every single one of the Ballpark Mysteries... Some of these last ones weren't even written when the older kids were younger. Lately, we have a literary crush on David A. Kelly. We are working our way through the Andy and Tamika Series, which let me tell you is just darling. And he has a new MVP series out that we just ordered from the library. He has been one of our top favorite early authors. Thank you David - there's been a lot of joy with your books.
We are two books short of having read every single one of the Ballpark Mysteries... Some of these last ones weren't even written when the older kids were younger. Lately, we have a literary crush on David A. Kelly. We are working our way through the Andy and Tamika Series, which let me tell you is just darling. And he has a new MVP series out that we just ordered from the library. He has been one of our top favorite early authors. Thank you David - there's been a lot of joy with your books.
January 24, 2021
Good choice for a Christmas mystery. Can be a good springboard for discussion of motives people have for committing crimes.
FULL REVIEW OF THE SERIES:
This series has a lot going for it. The characters feel well-drawn (though it’s not heavy on characterization) and the mysteries are quite well done for this age group, not dummied down yet with enough well-placed clues that astute young detectives will figure out whodunit before the big reveal (while including enough red herrings to keep them guessing most of the way).
I like that Mike and Kate feature equally in the book (it’s not a “boy” book or a “girl” book), they both like baseball (but neither is an incredible talent), they are both smart (without being unrealistic brainiacs), both good at solving the mysteries. They feel very relatable and like normal kids. I think boys and girls would equally enjoy this book. I appreciate that Kate is learning Spanish, and that she often researches the locations they travel to ahead of time. There’s a bit of humor and usually a cheesy joke or two for kids who like that, courtesy of Mike (but fortunately no potty humor). They are respectful to one another and there’s no bickering or rivalry. The parents don’t feature much, but again, the relationship is positive. Kate’s parents are divorced, but it is presented as amicable.
I imagine many kids will come to these books because they have a love of baseball but we came to them with very little knowledge of the sport. I chose them because they were well-reviewed and my son has enjoyed mystery books in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was with the baseball aspect, and it really sparked my son’s interest in the sport. Usually there are a few “ballgame” moments with Mike and Kate watching some plays on the field, but it’s more focused on the mystery than the game play. Of course, all the mysteries involve either ballplayers or some aspect of the team or stadium. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the distinctive characteristics of each ballpark. I also appreciate that many of the books give a glimpse into some local culture or history and local landmarks of the city. The back matter provides further notes about the players, ballparks, city, and history mentioned within the story. They are effortlessly educational while being primarily entertaining.
As a parent, I do have a few qualms about the kids running around in large ballpark stadiums (including out-of-the-way places not frequented by crowds) and surrounding areas in unfamiliar cities without a parent around. They also go off with adults they barely know (usually staff at the ballpark, so not exactly “strangers” but…) some of whom they suspect of committing crimes (usually involving theft or some sort of threats to the ballpark or a player) but at least the kids are always together and, of course, it’s the way the kids are able to be heroes and solve the crime themselves. Some of the books are a little heavier on the exposure to danger than others but most are pretty tame and, of course, all ends well. Also, the kids sometimes look for evidence in an office or a person’s backpack or something like that because they suspect the person of having committed the crime—but, of course, they have no warrant or legal right to do so and sometimes it’s a little close to trespassing or, at least, significant snooping. But, again, the positives of the book outweigh these few quibbles for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the series to young readers who enjoy mysteries and baseball. My son loves them and we have read almost every one in the series. I personally like them better than Magic Treehouse and I think they would appeal to fans of Magic Treehouse type books, too.
FULL REVIEW OF THE SERIES:
This series has a lot going for it. The characters feel well-drawn (though it’s not heavy on characterization) and the mysteries are quite well done for this age group, not dummied down yet with enough well-placed clues that astute young detectives will figure out whodunit before the big reveal (while including enough red herrings to keep them guessing most of the way).
I like that Mike and Kate feature equally in the book (it’s not a “boy” book or a “girl” book), they both like baseball (but neither is an incredible talent), they are both smart (without being unrealistic brainiacs), both good at solving the mysteries. They feel very relatable and like normal kids. I think boys and girls would equally enjoy this book. I appreciate that Kate is learning Spanish, and that she often researches the locations they travel to ahead of time. There’s a bit of humor and usually a cheesy joke or two for kids who like that, courtesy of Mike (but fortunately no potty humor). They are respectful to one another and there’s no bickering or rivalry. The parents don’t feature much, but again, the relationship is positive. Kate’s parents are divorced, but it is presented as amicable.
I imagine many kids will come to these books because they have a love of baseball but we came to them with very little knowledge of the sport. I chose them because they were well-reviewed and my son has enjoyed mystery books in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was with the baseball aspect, and it really sparked my son’s interest in the sport. Usually there are a few “ballgame” moments with Mike and Kate watching some plays on the field, but it’s more focused on the mystery than the game play. Of course, all the mysteries involve either ballplayers or some aspect of the team or stadium. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the distinctive characteristics of each ballpark. I also appreciate that many of the books give a glimpse into some local culture or history and local landmarks of the city. The back matter provides further notes about the players, ballparks, city, and history mentioned within the story. They are effortlessly educational while being primarily entertaining.
As a parent, I do have a few qualms about the kids running around in large ballpark stadiums (including out-of-the-way places not frequented by crowds) and surrounding areas in unfamiliar cities without a parent around. They also go off with adults they barely know (usually staff at the ballpark, so not exactly “strangers” but…) some of whom they suspect of committing crimes (usually involving theft or some sort of threats to the ballpark or a player) but at least the kids are always together and, of course, it’s the way the kids are able to be heroes and solve the crime themselves. Some of the books are a little heavier on the exposure to danger than others but most are pretty tame and, of course, all ends well. Also, the kids sometimes look for evidence in an office or a person’s backpack or something like that because they suspect the person of having committed the crime—but, of course, they have no warrant or legal right to do so and sometimes it’s a little close to trespassing or, at least, significant snooping. But, again, the positives of the book outweigh these few quibbles for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the series to young readers who enjoy mysteries and baseball. My son loves them and we have read almost every one in the series. I personally like them better than Magic Treehouse and I think they would appeal to fans of Magic Treehouse type books, too.
December 30, 2017
Cousins Mike Walsh and Kate Hopkins are happy to volunteer to help wrap presents for needy children at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. To add to the fun, there’s pizza for dinner, exploring the museum without any other visitors and a special thank you sleepover for all the volunteers. Not only that, Kate and Mike’s old friend Big D, star hitter for the Boston Red Sox, also shows up with his friend, Jordan, a documentary film maker. But while exploring the museum, Mike discovers that the most expensive baseball card, the Honus Wagner issued in 1909 and worth more than $2,000,000., is a fake and the real one is missing. Big D and Jordan had been looking at the valuable card earlier, but could they, would they be so bold as to take the original Honus Wagner and replace it with the fake one? And what about other suspects? After all, Mr. Owen, the director of the Hall of Fame, had been the one to show them the card, and so was Grace, a volunteer there. This was a fun book to read with my kids, even though I’m not much of a baseball aficionado, but we all liked the baseball history, trivia, and fun facts sprinkled throughout and at the back of the book, and I am definitely going to try the included recipe for “Mike’s All-Star Blue Chip Muffins” which sound delicious. My kids are a little young to really appreciate a book about baseball, but not too young to read about kids solving mysteries, and as you can see by some their choices, they are really beginning to get into them.
December 13, 2017
Cousins Mike Walsh and Kate Hopkins love solving mysteries, so when they discover a vintage baseball card has been stolen from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, they are on the case. The list of suspects is short, but catching the thief with evidence proves a challenge. They’ll have to use every trick they know to return the purloined card back where it belongs.
Christmas in Cooperstown by David A. Kelly is just the kind of mystery that’s great for young readers aged 6 to 9. The young protagonists are never in true danger as they use their wits to solve a crime. Part of the Ballpark Mystery series, the story is followed by real information about the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the invention of baseball. There’s also a recipe for muffins made with blueberries and chocolate chips. The combination of fiction, nonfiction, and a recipe should satisfy lots of readers.
Easy-to-read chapters and cute illustrations by Mark Meyers keep kids turning pages and having fun while building reading skills. There are lots of titles in the whole series, and the stories are likely to be read more than once as kids revisit clues in the story.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Christmas in Cooperstown by David A. Kelly is just the kind of mystery that’s great for young readers aged 6 to 9. The young protagonists are never in true danger as they use their wits to solve a crime. Part of the Ballpark Mystery series, the story is followed by real information about the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the invention of baseball. There’s also a recipe for muffins made with blueberries and chocolate chips. The combination of fiction, nonfiction, and a recipe should satisfy lots of readers.
Easy-to-read chapters and cute illustrations by Mark Meyers keep kids turning pages and having fun while building reading skills. There are lots of titles in the whole series, and the stories are likely to be read more than once as kids revisit clues in the story.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2017
Mike and Kate belong to a club called Cooperstown Cares. They participate in food, clothing and toy drives. They’ve spent the day at the Hall of Fame wrapping Christmas presents and witness a security guard hiding something suspicious behind a wrapped box. The group had been invited to sleep over at the Hall of Fame. While exploring the museum on their own, Mike discovers that a Honus Wagner card might be a fake. The mystery begins when the kids start to hunt down the real missing card.
Author David A. Kelly has created an interesting story that revolves around baseball trivia and fun facts. Readers who are baseball enthusiasts will enjoy the characters and solving the mystery. The back pages of the book have dug out notes which provide readers with even more insight into the Hall of Fame exhibits. Parents and teachers can use this guide as a read-a-aloud for more discussion. This is also a great fast paced read for any reluctant reader.
Author David A. Kelly has created an interesting story that revolves around baseball trivia and fun facts. Readers who are baseball enthusiasts will enjoy the characters and solving the mystery. The back pages of the book have dug out notes which provide readers with even more insight into the Hall of Fame exhibits. Parents and teachers can use this guide as a read-a-aloud for more discussion. This is also a great fast paced read for any reluctant reader.
February 25, 2018
Kelly, David A. Ballpark Mysteries: Christmas in Cooperstown (Super Special #2), 125 pgs. CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2017. $5.99 Content: G.
Mike and Kate are part of a volunteer group who provides gifts for less fortunate children. Because of their kind service, they are invited to sleep over at the Baseball Hall of Fame. While on a tour there, Mike is suspicious that the famous Honus Wagner card is a fake. Mike and Kate uncover the mystery behind the baseball card.
The Ballpark Mysteries are great beginning chapter books for sports lovers. My second grade son loves these books. This book does take place during Christmas, but it’s mostly a sports mystery and could be enjoyed any time of the year.
EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018/...
Mike and Kate are part of a volunteer group who provides gifts for less fortunate children. Because of their kind service, they are invited to sleep over at the Baseball Hall of Fame. While on a tour there, Mike is suspicious that the famous Honus Wagner card is a fake. Mike and Kate uncover the mystery behind the baseball card.
The Ballpark Mysteries are great beginning chapter books for sports lovers. My second grade son loves these books. This book does take place during Christmas, but it’s mostly a sports mystery and could be enjoyed any time of the year.
EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018/...
January 19, 2018
Once again I enjoyed another book in David's series....I read it with a 9th grader I tutor who is a struggling reader both in skill and in desire to read-yet he loves baseball and this series! It had all the elements of a mystery-suspects, clues, and even a red herring:)
January 18, 2018
I like reading this series, it reminds me of when I would love to read them back in 2nd grade.
January 8, 2019
The kids really enjoyed me reading this to them, which is all that matters. I do wish however that the Red Sox slugger had a different name. I hate reading 'Big D' over and over again.
May 10, 2020
Fun & Easy Reading for my 7 y/o
My son loves his the stories incorporate actual baseball parks & things that are actually in the ballparks & hall of fame.
My son loves his the stories incorporate actual baseball parks & things that are actually in the ballparks & hall of fame.
Read
March 21, 202310/10 would not recommend
July 18, 2025
It was fun to learn more about the baseball hall of fame. And the mystery part was great too.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews