The Cavallaro sisters are rivals, both on and off the baseball field. The twelve-year-olds are pitchers on their own teams, but Gina is just so good, how can she be such a good pitcher? Stacy is more than a little jealous, and she just wants her sister to like her. And for her team, the Rooks, to actually win a game or two. Gina, on the other hand, doesn't know how to handle her sister's jealousy. Oh, and Gramma is a witch. Everyone in town knows it, and yet, they don't seem to mind it. I guess it's because Gramma's magic is good. But when Stacy and Gina start messing with the magic, weird things start happening. Mainly, a zombie shows up in the middle of Rooks practice. And, wonder of wonders, this losing team starts playing a lot better when they are battling a zombie. Like Beans says, "Nothing makes you run faster than a dead guy on your butt."
Not gonna lie, I just had to reread this one, like, immediately. There is just something wonderful about teams with great characters, and the Rooks are one of those kinds of teams. Each kid on that team has a unique character, with absolutely hilarious funny quips, and a heart of gold. You can't NOT cheer on the Rooks as they get better and better - and as the Cavallaro sisters work together and grow closer while saving a poltergeist and a zombie. Trust me, this is a great book!
Goodreads seems to think this is going to be a series, and I am all down for that! The art style is what I would call the "classic comic book" look. Basically, it doesn't look cartoon-y, but the style rather looks more adult-ish, which is cool.
Recommended for: middle grade
Red flags: none
Rating: 5/5