A review by karlakayjenniges
There's Something Sinister in Centerfield by Robert P. Ottone

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 "Give me a fastball just outside the zone any day. Give me a wooden bat over an aluminum all day long. Give me that crack when the bat hammers the sweet spot until the cows come home."

The love of the game. Out for the win of the year.

13-year-old Casey loves baseball, and spending time with her dad who is the coach for the Kingfishers baseball team. When the Kingfisher team ends up playing on an old historic ball field, they are challenged to a best in three series. But their opponents are not human. They are playing to save their star center fielder and good friend, Danny. If they do not win, they will lose him to the ghastly ghosts forever. 

Kids who love baseball will certainly connect to and enjoy this. Even more so if they are fans of a little spookiness. They could easily relate to the diversity and age of the characters and possibly some of the challenges of their young lives.

Friendship bonds, family bonds, and the determination it takes to endure any challenge. 

There is a lot of fun to this story, a few chuckles sprinkled in, and a big dusting of heart. 

*This gets all the stars from me because reading it with the perspective in mind that it's written for middle grade and the fact that I work as an elementary school librarian, I know what the kids enjoy reading. I am positive that this would be a hit for many.