Michael Panckridge (text), James Fosdike (illus.) Switch-Hit Showdown (Big Bash League #1), Random House Australia, 31 Oct 2016, 156pp., $14.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9780143782193
Michael Panchridge (text), James fosdike (illus.), Captains’ Clash (Big Bash League #2), Random House Australia, 164pp., $14.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9780143782216
Big Bash League is an action-packed new series for young cricket fans capturing the fun and excitement of the real WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League) and BBL (Big Bash League) competition.
Switch-Hit Showdown (Big Bash League #1) is set in Melbourne and features the cricket team from Highmont East Primary School led by captain Barnaby Duke (Barney), who is also their star batsman. Barney is passionate about the game, so it is a dream come true when his team has the chance to play in the T20 Blast School Cup. Meanwhile Fifi, another die-hard cricketer, has no school team and is desperate to play in the T20 competition. She comes up with a cunning plan, and recruits the best local players to her ‘fake’ school. Will anyone spill the beans and ruin the final game of the season? Can coach Jam Roly Poly recover from his near-death experience to save the day?
In Captains’ Clash, Fletcher, Jana and their cricket-mad friends come up with an idea to organise their own night time T20 match under lights at the local park. But first they must win the confidence of the intimidating groundskeeper Mrs Grumblehoofer, who is not at all keen to have her gardens trampled. The story includes exciting scenes from the kids’ trip to watch the Sydney Sixers play Sydney Thunder at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), with plenty of realistic commentary and cricket vernacular – perfect for younger readers who love the game.
The Big Bash League books are fast paced and fun to read, the characters are realistic and diverse, and the plot has enough developments to keep readers enthralled. Author Michael Panckridge clearly knows and loves his cricket! Reading level: Primary school age
Reviewed by Jane O’Connell
- Read Katy Gerner’s review of #3 and #4 in the Big Bash League series
