Summary: A great classic poem about a baseball game. The story begins at the end of the game and is mixed with twists and an unexpected ending. The artistic style employed in this book was excellent, very unique. The contemporary urban style of the illustrations made the poem feel modern.
Response: The art drew me into this book and the story was wonderful. Any child who enjoys baseball or softball would like Casey at the Bat. Fun sports story with illustrations that make me want this book for my own library.
Themes: Poetry, sports, expectations

The illustrations in this edition are particularly impressive. They re-contextualize the story into another time and place that most young people would find more interesting and familiar.

The well known ballad, highlighted by great illustrations of baseball back in the day. ( )

The timelessness of baseball is evidenced in this repackaging of a poem first published in 1889. Baseball fans will delight in the aspects of the game that have changed, which Bing craftily interweaves through newspaper clippings. The illustrator presents the poem against a pseudo-newspaper backdrop that appears convincingly real. Although the artifacts were created by the author, he claims to have made every attempt to accurately reflect the issues of 1889. The yellowed newspaper and black "ink" make up the monotone color combination that recreates a 19th Century newspaper landscape. All the details included in the book beg for second and third readings. Readers can decide to read only the poem, or to read all of the historical extras as well! Recommended for elementary school libraries. ( )

Grew up with this poem as baseball was a huge part of our family. My uncle managed the Portland Beavers and my best friend was the pitcher of the State champions in Little League. Great poem that slowly builds the typical setting of a baseball game, with all the trimmings, into the crescendo of the critical inning where the reader feels like he is at home plate, swinging the bat at the winning pitch. Great epic poem that will last the ages. ( )