MadCat

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–This is an interesting story that needed to be written. It specifically deals with girls' fast-pitch softball and Madelyn Catherine, a 12-year-old New Hampshire catcher, but the themes relate to competition, parental interference in all kids' sports, and winning by any means necessary. The book has enough humor to lend a light touch to the more serious issues. The Sting has always been a good team, and the girls enjoy playing, until the board of directors/parents reorganize it in order to compete nationally. Some of the new members used to be rivals and they replace some of Mad Cat's good friends. With this change in direction, everything else changes–the mood becomes more businesslike, the games are more cutthroat than fun. Parents control the coach and decide who plays. There are fights, ejections, players intentionally hit by pitches, etc. After a bad experience at the national championships, the girls return home and several of them reassess their priorities. Their relationships are well portrayed and it is heartening to see friendships spring up among previous rivals. This book is sure to be a hit with girls who are into sports. It would be great if their parents read it, too.–Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. Though better known for oddball fantasies, Mackel also writes rousing sports stories.Tough-as-nails catcher Madelyn Catherine (you'd better call her MadCat) is excited at the prospect of seeing the Norwich, New Hampshire, Sting, her fast-pitch softball team, upgraded into national contenders and profoundly disturbed that the change means cutting weaker players to make room for stars from other local teams. As the Sting works its way up to and into the finals, the author seamlessly weaves in parents (sensible and ruthless); family issues (including MadCat's father's struggle to live with multiple sclerosis); an assortment of resilient, generous, fleshed-out young characters; and unforced insights on what winning and team play are really about. Through it all shines MadCat's love for the sport: "We were slimy with sweat, coated with dirt, and stinking like an umpire's coffee breath. But we were golden." With a credible plot, a distinct narrative voice, and sparky dialogue, this is a winner in any league. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Booklist
"With a credible plot, a distinct narrative voice, and sparky dialogue, this is a winner in any league."

Kirkus Reviews
"MadCat is an engaging character. A solid hit."

Book Description
MadCat Campione is the best twelve-year-old
catcher in New Hampshire..

And this year her fastpitch softball team, the Norwich Sting, is going National. They'll be shooting to make the National Fastpitch Softball World Series, playing against the best teams from around the country. MadCat is thrilled.

But going National isn't quite what MadCat expected. Almost half the girls from the Sting -- girls who have played together for years -- have been cut to make room for hotshots from nearby towns. Their coach tells them the most important thing is to play to win. MadCat's best friend, Jess, isn't fun anymore: all she can think about is beating the competition, both inside and outside the team. Things are getting tenser and tenser.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

MadCat Campione is the best twelve-year-old
catcher in New Hampshire..

And this year her fastpitch softball team, the Norwich Sting, is going National. They'll be shooting to make the National Fastpitch Softball World Series, playing against the best teams from around the country. MadCat is thrilled.

But going National isn't quite what MadCat expected. Almost half the girls from the Sting—girls who have played together for years—have been cut to make room for hotshots from nearby towns. Their coach tells them the most important thing is to play to win. MadCat's best friend, Jess, isn't fun anymore: all she can think about is beating the competition, both inside and outside the team. Things are getting tenser and tenser.

The Sting's winning all their games; they're sure to make it to the big time. They know nothing can stop them, not when their motto is Eating Dirt Is Better Than Losing. But is winning really more important than anything? Or will all their victories just add up to nothing?

About the Author:

Kathy Mackel is a novelist and screenwriter. Her films include Can of Worms and Hangman's Curse. Kathy has coached Junior Olympic and Little League fastpitch softball. She lives north of Boston with her family.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This is an interesting story that needed to be written. It specifically deals with girls' fast-pitch softball and Madelyn Catherine, a 12-year-old New Hampshire catcher, but the themes relate to competition, parental interference in all kids' sports, and winning by any means necessary. The book has enough humor to lend a light touch to the more serious issues. The Sting has always been a good team, and the girls enjoy playing, until the board of directors/parents reorganize it in order to compete nationally. Some of the new members used to be rivals and they replace some of Mad Cat's good friends. With this change in direction, everything else changes-the mood becomes more businesslike, the games are more cutthroat than fun. Parents control the coach and decide who plays. There are fights, ejections, players intentionally hit by pitches, etc. After a bad experience at the national championships, the girls return home and several of them reassess their priorities. Their relationships are well portrayed and it is heartening to see friendships spring up among previous rivals. This book is sure to be a hit with girls who are into sports. It would be great if their parents read it, too.-Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews