Read for: Netgalley/ Requested Review
Synopsis: "Thirteen-year-old Satoshi Matsumoto spent the last three years living in Atlanta where he was the star of his middle-school baseball team—a slugger with pro potential, according to his coach. Now that his father's work in the US has come to an end, he's moved back to his hometown in rural Japan. Living abroad has changed him, and now his old friends in Japan are suspicious of his new foreign ways. Even worse, his childhood foe Shintaro, whose dad has ties to gangsters, is in his homeroom. After he joins his new school's baseball team, Satoshi has a chance to be a hero until he makes a major-league error."
My Review: I am always on the lookout for baseball themed books for Munchkin and I was rather curious about this one because of the title. What I wasn't expecting from this book is all the interesting Japanese baseball history, I had no idea about many of famous baseball players of the past. The Japanese setting of this book also added a unique element to the story and I feel like it brings a little more understanding that while people come from all parts of the world, there are still many similarities. While throughout the book Satoshi does tend to act like a typical middle school aged student with so much focus on favorite activities and occasional moody outbursts and worries about who to hang out with, Kamata does a great job of bringing the focus back to family and friends, responsibilities and dedication, and the way a simple decision and act can change the whole outlook.
My Rating: I really enjoyed this book and I think it will be one Munchkin will enjoy as well. It is a great book for Middle Grade readers but anyone can enjoy it. I give it a rating of Four Paws!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the above is my honest review and opinion.
You can find out more about Suzanne Kamata and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.
Pop Flies, Robo-pets and Other Disasters was just released on Tuesday, March 3rd and you can now pick up your own copy of it in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or ask for it at your local bookstore or library.
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