The Field Beyond the Outfield is a different type of spin on the game of baseball. Many of the books I read on baseball have a connection to history; this one is not. A true fantasy, Mark Teague creates as if he tapped into a boy’s imagination. A boy who loves bugs more than baseball. A boy who lets his imagination go and becomes the hero in a truly remarkable game.
Ludlow Brebe is a boy who is great a science but lacks athletic ability. He enjoys exercising his mind more than his body. He loves to daydream about creatures and have mysterious escapades. Due to the encouragement of and respect for his parents, Ludlow joins a baseball team.
Ludlow is placed way out in the backfield, far away from the main action of the game. But his imagination does not stop. He begins to see another game, a baseball game beyond the outfield. Bugs are the main players and Ludlow is swept away. He becomes a player and hits a game winning hit.
Researching Mark Teague as an author, I found a wonderful author video. I find these interviews are great to show your students. In this video, Mark Teague shares how he began writing and how he uses his imaginations with illustrations.
Savorings for reading and in writing for The Field Beyond the Outfield:
- Specific language – pennants, big-league
- Imagination – creative story
- Every day activity
- One day event
- Point of View
Posted by MaryHelen 
Book Savors 