INTRODCUTION
Warrior on the Mound by Sandra W. Headen is a fictional story through the eyes of twelve-year-old, Cato Jones. Cato is the pitcher for the Pender County Rangers. He and his team sneak out of school to see the new baseball field for the white team. After getting caught for trespassing, events unfold and they get to play on the field.
When Cato and his team get to practice on the new field, the white team is there too. They play a game of shadow ball with the white team. After getting in an argument about the Rangers cheating, the white team’s coach proposes a baseball game between the two teams. A couple days later when they play, they get chased off the field. They run inside their church and the church almost gets set on fire.
Cato’s father was one of the the reasons Cato liked playing baseball. On the cover, Cato’s father is standing above him. The publisher most likely did that because he influenced Cato to play baseball. I think the publisher also put Cato’s dad on the cover because they were both “warriors on the mound”. Cato was a warrior because he stood up for himself and his team. His dad was a warrior because he fought for what he believed in; he thought baseball should not be segregated. When Cato’s father told people what he believed, some white people beat him up. He died fighting for what he believed in. That was why I think there was more than one warrior in this story.
I really liked this baseball book because it was never short on action including sneaking on to the baseball field and threats about the church. This book had a lot of action and even though it went pretty fast, the author still gave lots of details throughout the book. Although this book is fiction, it told me what it was like when the U.S.A. was segregated.
GIVEAWAY
If you want to win this middle grade novel set in the 1930s in North Carolina, please leave a comment by August 26. U.S. addresses only. If you are an educator or librarian or plan to donate the book to a school after you read it, let me know and I’ll put your name in twice.
NEW GUEST BLOGGER
Please welcome my neighbor, Liam Majewski to my blog.
Liam is a 6th grader in Matthew’s, NC. He likes playing basketball and reading.
MMGM
Remember to check out Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday blog!
I’m impressed with the reviewer’s skill. This sounds like a great book, too.
Thanks, Kim. You were fast! I’ll start the giveaway list with your name.
It sounds like a great read and one all middle grade students should read. The more we can understand about the effects segregation had on a multitude of folks, the more empathy and peace will prevail.
Liam is an impressive reviewer and a great addition to your student review team.
Thanks, Sandra. I agree with both your points!
Great review. Don’t put me in the giveaway, I’m in the middle of packing. 📦📦📦
Great review, Liam! I hope you review more books. I have to pass on the giveaway. I’m not having much time to read right now.
Thank you, Natalie and Laura. I certainly understand about having too many (or boxes to pack) for time to read another one. But thanks for commenting.
I enjoy reading novels centering around sports and athletes and I like that this one also has deeper layers to get readers thinking about racism and more. I know I would enjoy this book and then pass it along to a teacher for her classroom.
Thanks, Danielle. You’re in twice!
Great review, Liam! I love that you shared that it was never short on action. Nice! (No need to enter me in the giveaway.)
Thanks, Marci. Liam will appreciate your comments!
This sounds like such an interesting book! I really like how the cover shows the deeper themes of the book as well. Great work, Liam! (No need to enter me, as I’ve won a lot lately, but I will definitely add this to my list.)
Thank you, Jenni. I’ll make sure Liam reads your comment. That will mean a lot to him.
Great first review, Liam. It made me want to read this book soon! I hope you will continue to write about books you love and share them on this blog.. Hope you are having a Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.
Thank you, Greg!
I am always looking for middle grade sports novels to add to my classroom library!! I teach sixth grade and sports are what most of the boys want to read about. This one sounds great and has definitely made my list!
Thank you, Ginna. Your name goes in twice–I think this will be great for your library. Where do you teach and how did you find my blog? Carol
Ah. A baseball story. I know I will like this one. Thanks for the review. I posted your link on BlueSky.
Happy to put your name in twice, Rosi. You would LOVE this book!