Eileen Jedlicka has written another historical fantasy book–this time, “Baseball” is the narrator on a journey through American history. Ball accompanies the reader through five periods of history in which baseball has shaped history, and history has changed baseball. Ball is captured along with Morgan during a Civil War battle. Ball says, “I couldn’t believe that I was a Confederate prisoner of war–a Civil War POW.” He traces their journey home together, ending with an encounter with President Abraham Lincoln. Ball loves Mama and helps her win a spot in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League started during World War II. He says, “She smelled like Chanel No. 5 and tasted like chicken soup.” Ball chronicles the family’s war contributions on the battlefield and home front. Ball is caught by Oliver during a game at Dodger Stadium celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. Oliver tells Ball, “I’ve always dreamt of catching you, #42. Thank you for finding your way into my glove.” Ball and Oliver learn about Robinson’s contribution to baseball and history. Ball helps a little girl deal with the Cold War’s frightening hold on America. They concentrate on the Mantle-Maris home-run race instead of the two superpowers’ Arms Race. “With these two power-hitters maybe we could win the World Series. Mantle and Maris were our superpowers.” Ball wonders what his path will be as Carmen puts in his last stitch. “She told me I was special and that there were great things in store for me.” What would Ball do to help America after September 11, 2001?
