FICTION

The Funniest Man in Baseball: The True Story of Max Patkin

by Audrey VERNICK
illus. by Jennifer Bower. 40p. bibliog. photos. HMH. Apr. 2018. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780544813779.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—Vernick (The Kid From Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton) has hit another home run with this enjoyable account of baseball clown Max Patkin. As a young boy, Patkin longed to be a major league player. An injury ended his playing career but he pitched for a navy team during World War II. After giving up a home run to Joe DiMaggio, Patkin followed DiMaggio around the bases mimicking him and making faces. A career was born, and Patkin spent the next 50 years entertaining crowds at minor league games. Vernick's delightful prose combines with Bower's cartoon illustrations to ensure an engaging read—the opening sentence alone will hook kids ("Did you hear the one about the pitcher who walked into a ballpark?"). Photographs and references are included in the back.
VERDICT A welcome addition to public and school libraries alike.
Reviewed by Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA , Jan 01, 2018

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
BOOKS

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine
by Melleby, Nicole
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?