The Super Sluggers
Wing Ding
By Kevin Markey
(HarperCollins, Paperback, 9780061152276, 224pp.)
Publication Date: February 2012
Other Editions of This Title: Hardcover
Categories: Sports & Recreation - Baseball, Humorous Stories
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When the windiest weather in Rambletown history blows in a horde of hungry grasshoppers, the only thing the chomping insects devour faster than the grass is the Rounders’ chance to host the midseason all-star game. Unfortunately, their shortstop’s arm has gone haywire. Balls used to disappear into Stump’s glove as if he were a one-man Bermuda Triangle, but since the infestation, he’s jumpier than the grasshoppers. Will the Rounders find a way to rid Stump of the yips—and their home field of insects—before the hated Haymakers hijack the all-star game?
Kevin Markey thinks "rain" and "out," when used together, are two of the saddest words in the English language. When speaking of weather, "snow" and "day" are much better! Other word combinations as compelling in their way as a bang-bang play on the bases include "greasy slider," "late-inning heroics," and "lasting friendships," concepts that all appear in this book . . . which he hopes will induce gales of laughter (another good one) in every reader.
Kevin is the author of Slumpbuster, Wall Ball, and Wing Ding, all in his Super Sluggers series of baseball adventures, and several books of nonfiction. He lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, with his wife and two children and a lovable yellow-haired dog named Happy. He bats left, throws left, and types with both hands.
Rave reviews for Wall Ball:“Celebrates the joys of baseball.”
-ALA Booklist
Rave reviews for Wall Ball:“Chuckle-inducing. Over-the-top hilarity.”
-Kirkus Reviews
Rave reviews for Slumpbuster:“I give this book 4 out of 5 smiles.”—Michael Roberts, Kidsday Reporter, Age 9
-Newsday/Kidsday
Rave reviews for Slumpbuster:“The comically deadpan reactions of slump observers, the tautly drawn action scenes, and the snappy pacing of the short chapters are nicely pitched to readers just hitting their stride with full-length novels.”
-Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Rave reviews for Slumpbuster:“Straightforward, sunny.”
-ALA Booklist
Rave reviews for Slumpbuster:“Hits it out of the park. Full of funny characters and fast-paced action (on and off the field), this series may be just the ticket for kids who live and breathe America’s pastime.”
-Family Fun Magazine
Rave reviews for Slumpbuster:“Markey’s deadpan delivery renders his tall-tale names and broad, punning prose quite comical, and the Walloper’s triumphant out-of-the-park home run is the stuff of minor legend.”
-Kirkus Reviews
Rave reviews for Slumpbuster:“A lively . . . read [for] fans of Matt Christopher’s sports stories, or readers who simply appreciate play-by-play action.”
-School Library Journal
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