JIM & ME

Through his Baseball Card series, Dan Gutman gives an excellent overview of American history, biography, and baseball lore. Stosh, who uses old baseball cards to time-travel, is asked by his old school "enemy" to take him back to meet Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was a Native American who won Olympic gold medals, only to have them taken back when officials learned he had played semiprofessional baseball. Narrator Johnny Heller effectively portrays Jim, the contemporary kids, and the historical characters, who use old-fashioned words and delivery. The boys learn a lesson in compassion when they realize that Jim is very poor and has an alcohol problem. Another gem in this outstanding series. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2009]