• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 6

Whether readers have their sights set on big-league grand slams or just want the inside scoop on everything baseball, How Baseball Works, part of the How Sports Work series, has something for everyone. Text that is as fast-paced to read as the game is to play, delves into all aspects of the sport. Great insider information includes the science of maintaining a baseball diamond; the tricky physics behind throwing a winning pitch; the inside story of the bat, ball, and glove; the secrets of explosive moves; how to decode the stats on each player; and the science of fitness and preventing injuries. Features such as “Quick Hit” factoids, “Star” baseball cards with stories of the pros, “Tip” baseball cards with hints for improving your own game, and fun “Try This!” activities to help develop related skills. “Legends of the Game” pages at the end of each chapter introduce young readers to some of the most impressive players in baseball history. A “Rules and Regs” section and “Baseball Talk” at the back of the book are jam-packed with all the lingo and information to make any reader an expert at the basics of the game.

KELTIE THOMAS is a passionate sports fan and award-winning children’s science writer and editor. She is a former editor of OWL Magazine, and is the author of popular sports books such as How Baseball Works; Blades, Boards & Scooters; and Inside Hockey! She lives in Toronto.

Keltie Thomas' profile page

Greg Hall lives in Oakville, ON.

Greg Hall's profile page

If you're a kid who loves the game, How Baseball Works puts you right in the sweet spot for baseball this year...those who love the game will be drawn into the science part of it with experiments that are easy-to-do, and kids who are more science-minded will love the fun-to-know factoids about baseball...How Baseball Works is a double play for all.

The Bookworm Sez (syndicated column)

Just in time for summer, Maple Tree Press has come out with two books that cover a couple of favorite pastimes. How Soccer Works and How Baseball Works, both by Keltie Thomas, are colorful, easy-to-read guides that answer questions about each game's history, equipment and rules. They also take a look at fitness and skills, legends of the games and offer playing tips to youngsters. They are the perfect primers for those just starting out, but they also would appeal to fans and more seasoned players.

The Flint Journal

Lots of people love baseball, but do they have the inside scoop on how the sport works? How Baseball Works takes a swing at explaining every aspect of baseball and the science behind the sport…This is one book all baseball lovers, from beginners to pros, will enjoy.

KidsBookshelf.com

What can be healthier than reading for the mind and active sports for the body?… How Baseball Works and How Soccer Works are presented with a droll, witty humor well blended with the author's scientifically curious point-of-view. Age appropriate explanations of concepts like curving kicks and why baseball bats are made of wood give young readers points of interest to share with friends or classmates […] Subject matter that breezily combines playtime passions with lessons tied into classroom curricula hit the nail smartly on the head.

Suite101.com

How Baseball Works by Keltie Thomas (Maple Tree Press) is a fine way to dip into the science of baseball. Slightly older kids will read it independently, while snippets of it are ideal to share with younger children.

ReadingRockets.org

Keltie Thomas teaches us everything we want to know about baseball and more!...This book is an excellent non-fiction resource for kids of all ages. Play ball!

TheEdgeoftheForest.com

Here’s just the thing for baseball fans, but also for anyone who wishes they knew more about the game. In fun, short snippets, you can find out about basic facts, history, legends, tips, experiments, and all kinds of quirky info…There’s so much here (and it’s so fun to read) about baseball that a reader can barely tear herself away to read on.

YABooksCentral.com

Any sports fan aged six and over would enjoy receiving How Baseball Works...It makes the game come alive with brief entries, photos, and off-beat information.

CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials

How Baseball Works by Keltie Thomas explains the science behind the sport, with lots of illustrations and tidbits of information thrown in for inspiration.

duPont Registry Tampa Bay (St. Petersburg, FL)