The Desperado Who Stole Baseball

Set in 1881, the story follows Jack Sullivan, a clever orphan who finds himself in the mining town of Dillinger, California. To save the town and prove their worth, Jack and a motley crew of locals, including the infamous Billy the Kid, must defeat the National League Champion Chicago White Stockings in a high stakes baseball game. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with orphanhood and the presence of historical outlaws. Billy the Kid's reputation involves violence, but the depiction here is more of a legendary figure than a graphic criminal. The approach is secular and mythological, focusing on the tall tale tradition. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of isolation and high pressure, building through the tension of the upcoming game, and concludes with a triumphant, hopeful resolution that emphasizes community and self-worth. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who loves baseball stats but finds history books boring, or a child who feels like an outsider and needs to see that even 'misfits' can achieve greatness together. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I'm not good enough to be on the team,' or witnessing their child's fascination with rebellious figures. PARENT PREP: The book is safe to read cold, though parents may want to briefly discuss the difference between the real historical Billy the Kid and this fictionalized 'tall tale' version. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the excitement of the game and the humor, while older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of Billy's character and the historical context of the 1880s. DIFFERENTIATOR: This book is unique because it perfectly bridges the gap between historical Westerns and sports fiction, using the 'tall tale' format to make history feel visceral and fun.