The Great Ball Game Review by Allison Trippe

Bibliography

Bruchac, Joseph. 1994. The Great Ball Game. Ill. by Susan L. Roth. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.    ISBN: 978-0-8037-1539-4

Plot Summary

In this folktale, originally passed down from the Muskogee Nation, animals and birds settle an argument by playing a ball game instead of going to war. They decide that the first team to score a point wins the argument, and will create a punishment for the losing team. The two sides divide themselves into teams: those with wings against those with teeth. A problem arises when one creature, the bat, possesses both wings and teeth. At first, neither team would allow Bat to join them. Finally, the animals accept Bat on their team, but tell him he must let the bigger animals play first. When it appears as if one team will surely win, suddenly an unlikely character uses his unstoppable and unique abilities to come from behind and score. This Pourquoi Tale offers explanations for why bats are considered animals, and why birds migrate.

Critical Analysis

Author Joseph Bruchac begins the book with a note about the origin of the story, a mention of other versions, and an explanation of his own version. The book begins with anthropomorphic characters, all of whom exhibit human qualities and weaknesses from teamwork and leadership to arguing and rejection. With a simple plot and realistic setting, the author uses minimal text to retell the story of how a conflict is settled in a peaceful way.

The style and pace of The Great Ball Game make this book engaging as a read aloud. Cultural attributes of Native American traditions run strong in this version of a Muskogee folktale. For example, the birds and animals play a game similar to lacrosse. The Muskogee Nation played lacrosse for recreation as well as conflict resolution. Themes and cultural values such as the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and valuing differences are present throughout the book. The denouement provides a satisfying conclusion by giving a final nod to the character of the bat.

Illustrations are in the form of paper collage. Illustrator, Susan L. Roth, overlaps pieces of paper to create color, texture, pattern and shape. She cuts and rips paper to depict different animals and birds. The artist uses a similar method to create contrast in her subtle backgrounds representing a realistic habitat. By varying the shape and color of the eyes, the author is able to portray different emotions in her characters. Through a unique artistic style, the illustrations give the reader a sense of tradition. The artwork almost seems to parallel the iconic look of ancient cave paintings.

Review Excerpts

2003 Oklahoma Book Award for Design and Illustration

From Booklist: “Short and well told, this appealing pourquoi tale lends itself to reading aloud.”

From Kirkus Review:  “Roth's distinctive collages have a Red Grooms busyness ranging from bright and appealing to appropriately subtle, rendered from elegant handmade papers gathered in Tibet, Italy, Japan, and Thailand.”

Connections

• Introduce this book by giving students background information on the history of the  Muskogee or Creek Nation.
• Art teachers can use the artwork from this book as examples for teaching collage.
• Pre-teach vocabulary words during a mini-lesson: argument, quarrel, swift, penalty, stumbled, fair, accept
• Make connections to science concepts like animal adaptations and animal migration.
• Pair this book with other Pourquoi tales such as:
• How Tiger Got His Stripes. ISBN: 978-0874837995
• Why The Sky Is Far Away. ISBN: 978-0316308748
• When the World Was Young: Creation and Pourquoi Tales. ISBN: 978-0689808678
• After reading the book, challenge students to write their own Pourquoi Tale to explain the origin of something.

*Created as an assignment for a Texas Woman's University course.