Knuckleball Ned

by R.A. Dickey

Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey creates a funny anti-bullying picture book with an adorable baseball character that kids will love
    
Ned the baseball is very nervous on his first day of school. Everyone else seems to know where they belong, but not Ned. He isn't a fastball or a slider, and the Foul Ball gang makes fun of him for the way he wobbles. When they do something particularly dastardly to another student, it's up to Ned to come to the rescue with his unique abilities. Not only does Ned realize he's a knuckleball, but he discovers that he can be a hero, too!

Genres: Picture Books, Baseball, Sports, Self Esteem, Fiction, Friendship, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss the dedication, Goodreaders. It's to the author's four children, his "precious knuckleballs."

WHEN CHILDREN'S BOOKS ARE WRITTEN FROM THE HEART, THAT'S IMPORTANT TO ME

Clearly this one is, as in this beautiful bit of dialog.

"Well, whatever kind of ball you are, you can be my friend!"

SQUEAK: Right away, soon as I read this, my heart of compassion is opening. Plus I'm already curious about the repeated reference to little Ned wobbling.

Turns out...

THIS A COMPASSIONATE, PROBLEM SOLVING BOOK ABOUT OVERCOMING BULLIES

Good! Also, I'd call this story downright magnificent.

Oh, how I'm falling in like with brave little Ned.

[Mario Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about how optomistic Ned remained throughout the story in this book, and I was amazaed by the big and cheerful iilustrations of the different kinds of baseballs that exist in the book. I also enjoyed seeing how clever the author was when it came to coming up with names for Ned's friends, such as "Connie Curveball," for example. The message of turning some thing bad about one's self into something good about one's self, was very empowering and enlightening. This book would be perfect for teaching students about how to overcome being bullied or being made fun of.

[Kellyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads needs half-stars. 3.5/5

As a baseball fan, I would have loved to see a bit more of an explanation on the different kinds of pitches, also why the Foul Ball Gang are the rough and tough ones. That said, it's R.A. Dickey and it's baseball. :)

[Sophie Klockow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connections: feeling wobbly or having bad balance and being nervous about what others think at school

[Sandra WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! I loved the various baseball themed characters. It has a terrific message for kids and grown-ups alike about confidence, being respectful and proud of everyone's unique abilities, treating others properly, and not letting mean-spirited people define/label you. It is a sweet story with great illustrations! Well done R.A. Dickey and Tim Bowers! :)

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)]

*sigh* I don't think I have ever DNF'd a picture book before but now I did.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny book, just right for any kid who's a baseball fanatic.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute book about respecting each other and being proud of your unique abilities.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the creative baseball-themed characters but felt the story was weak.

[Danielle Mootz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute one for your baseball enthusiast.

[Laela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baseball and a boy named Ned. What more does a girl like me need?