Goodbye, Mr. Spalding

Written by Jennifer Robin Barr

Have you ever wanted something so bad, you would do anything to get it? Jimmy has. He lives in Philadelphia just across the street from Shibe Ballpark. From his roof, you can watch a baseball game of the Philadelphia A’s. His family supplements their income by charging for tickets to watch from the bleachers on their roof. In this book, along with his best friend Lola, he tries to keep a wall from being built that will block their view of the ball field. He tries convincing the star of the A’s, Jimmie Foxx, that his home run numbers will suffer with a higher wall. He tries to keep the team’s lawyer out of court on the day of the hearing. He tries to steal the blueprints for the wall. Throughout all of these attempts, Jimmy has to watch out for the Polinski brothers, the neighborhood bullies. Will he succeed?

This story is an enjoyable adventure. The unexpected definitely happens and brings the history of 1934 in Philadelphia to life. Difficult times come to everyone and this book introduces a great friendship that weathers those difficult times well.

Reviewed by Merri Rygg, Media Clerk, Truman Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Author Website: https://jenniferrobinbarr.com/

Goodbye, Mr. Spalding
Written by Jennifer Robin Barr
Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights
272 pages
Release Date: March 26, 2019
ISBN: 9781684371785
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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