Baseball's Best: Five True Stories

Baseball's Best: Five True Stories is a book about baseball's greatest players, including Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Joe DiMaggio. All the players in the book had the most important facts about their lives included in the writing. These tremendous baseball players were the best of their time and continue to be well respected. From the book, a reader will learn many fascinating facts. One example, is when Babe Ruth called his own shot. He pointed to center field indicating where he would hit the ball. When the pitcher threw the ball, Babe hit it right to where he pointed. The author, Andrew Gutelle, told each biography very well. He even included interesting and sad facts, such as when Roberto Clemente plunged into the ocean in a plane. The crash was caused by a bird getting stuck in the engine of his plane. Clemente was never found. The author used very descriptive writing. He included information on when Hank Aaron hit his 715th homerun and broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 homeruns. Aaron ended his career with 755 homeruns. There were also great photographs and illustrations by Cliff Spohn. One great example was of Joe DiMaggio up to bat and striking out. This event ended his wining hitting streak. Spohn explained a lot of the events through his work. One really powerful picture was of Jackie Robinson, the first black player in baseball. This is great book for everyone who loves baseball and its heroes and everyone who wants to learn about baseball and its heroes. Reviewed by Sylvia Rodriguez' Fifth Grade Class Phoebe Hearst Elementary, Sacramento