Curtis, G. (2009). The Bat Boy & His Violin. [New York]: Aladdin.

Exposition:

Reginald loves to play his violin, but his baseball manager father wants him to be the bat boy for his team instead.

Conflict:

During the game, Reginald struggles with his duties as bat boy, and eventually his frustrated father tells him to just go practice the violin.

Rising Action:

As Reginald plays, the team starts to hit better, and even wins their games.

Climax:

After a strong winning streak, the team gets a game with the best team in the league. The team hopes that Reginald’s playing will help them win the game.

Falling Action:

The team loses the game, but Reginald’s dad asks him to play his violin to cheer up the team.

Resolution:

Reginald’s dad learns to appreciate his son’s talent, and even hosts Reginald’s recital in their living room.

Illustrations:

E.B. Lewis creates beautiful water color illustrations that capture the actions and emotions throughout the story. Although the story takes place in only a few settings, each one is unique and easily recognizable. The use of watercolors goes perfectly with the mood of the story.