I loved this book. The illustrations were unique in the way they were drawn and they really helped to demonstrate what was happening in the story. I could especially see boys between third and fifth grade loving this book because it is about baseball and uses some terms that only people who know about the sport would know. It also has an unexpected ending which leaves you wondering what happened, which I could see all students enjoying. I could also see this book being used to teach vocabulary, because it has a lot of tough words used in it, such as straggling, preceded, melancholy, multitude, and many more. This book could also be used in third through fifth grade to teach nonliteral language. ( )

This book is about a baseball team who is down by two points. The batters go up, one hits a player in and the second one strikes out. the audience and team knew Casey would hit the ball and they would win. When Casey goes up to bat he doesn't swing the first time because its not his style, he lets the second pitch go and ends up striking out. The team loses but somewhere else in the world there is a happy town that's cheering, but not for this one. The book is written in a poetic manner but I fell some of the words are too hard for younger children. I recommend this book to 3-5, especially sports fans. I also find it ironic that Casey strikes out because as a reader you expect he wins the game. ( )

Casey at the bat is about a team who is behind in the game and thinks that if Casey could get up to bat they would be able to score some points. When Casey does get up to bat he ends up striking out and losing the game for his team. Great book with rhyming in it. ( )

Summary: A great classic poem about a baseball game. The story begins at the end of the game and is mixed with twists and an unexpected ending. The artistic style employed in this book was excellent, very unique. The contemporary urban style of the illustrations made the poem feel modern.
Response: The art drew me into this book and the story was wonderful. Any child who enjoys baseball or softball would like Casey at the Bat. Fun sports story with illustrations that make me want this book for my own library.
Themes: Poetry, sports, expectations

The illustrations in this edition are particularly impressive. They re-contextualize the story into another time and place that most young people would find more interesting and familiar.