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The Rhino in Right Field

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A boy who loves baseball must get past his hard-working immigrant parents—and the rhino in the outfield—to become a batboy in this laugh-out-loud middle grade novel in the tradition of The Sandlot.

Nick wants to change his life. For twelve years, he’s done what his hard-working, immigrant parents want him to do. Now he’s looking for his own American dream and he thinks he’s found it. The local baseball team is having a batboy contest, and Nick wants to win.

But the contest is on a Saturday—the day Nick has to work in his father’s shop. There’s one other tiny—well, not so tiny—problem. A 2,000-pound rhinoceros named Tank. Nick and his friends play ball in the city zoo—and Tank lives just beyond the right field fence. Nick’s experience getting the ball out of Tank’s pen has left him frozen with fear whenever a fly ball comes his way. How’s a lousy fielder going to win the contest?

Nick practices every day with his best friend, Ace, and a new girl who has an impressive throwing arm! But that’s not enough—to get to the contest, Nick has to lie to his parents and blackmail his uncle. All while dodging the school bully, who’s determined to win even by playing dirty. Nick will need to keep his eye on the ball in this fast, funny story about a game that can throw you some curveballs—just like life!

272 pages, Hardcover

First published July 10, 2018

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About the author

Stacy DeKeyser

9 books63 followers
Praise for How to Catch a Polar Bear :

"Funny and heartwarming" -- Booklist

"Hilarious" -- KIRKUS


Praise for The Rhino in Right Field :

"A solid home run" -- Booklist

"A winner in every way" -- KIRKUS starred review


Praise for The Brixen Witch :

"Fresh and satisfying." -- KIRKUS starred review

"Just right for reaffirming one's belief in the power of story." -- BOOKLIST starred review

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5 stars
187 (29%)
4 stars
310 (48%)
3 stars
119 (18%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Darla.
4,374 reviews1,057 followers
January 23, 2021
Imagine you are playing a game of Scramble with your buddies and assigned to right field. Another player hits the ball past you -- and into the rhino pen. Yes, the park where kids play is right next to a zoo. For real. In 1940's Milwaukee. Stacy DeKeyser does such a great job of establishing a strong sense of place and time in this middle grade novel. And, no wonder. Her dad actually lived in that time and place. If you love baseball and historical fiction, you will love this one. It has great family dynamics, immigrant struggles and triumphs, bully management, ballpark innovatons, girl power, fabulous friendships, and more. I loved it!
Profile Image for Ms. B.
3,749 reviews61 followers
March 26, 2021
Sports story from the late 1940s. Set in Eastern Wisconsin. Young baseball fans and cheeseheads* will enjoy this story about Nick who must figure out a way to win a local contest to be a batboy for a day without his parents knowing.
*those from Wisconsin, especially Green Bay Packers fans
Profile Image for Angela.
186 reviews14 followers
April 29, 2019
Great clean fun 6-7th grade read. It reminded me of the Sandlot with a bit of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and a smidgen of A League of Their Own.
Profile Image for Melanie Dulaney.
1,957 reviews115 followers
February 21, 2018
DeKeyser’s newest book really earns 4.5 stars from this middle grades librarian. It didn’t rock my world enough to garner a 5 star rating, but I was completely sucked in and struggled to slow down and really read it instead of just skim because I was anxious to see how things were going to work out for Nick, the book’s main character. The setting of “Rhino” is 1948 Milwaukee, Wisconsin right near the very real Washington Park Zoo and in the heart of town with a diverse population of immigrant families all working towards their own American dream. The plot centers around a batboy for a day contest being run by the new owner of the town’s minor league ball team. But there are a myriad of subplots entwined and swirling around the main event. There is a bully who is competing with Nick and his best friend Ace in everything, not just the featured contest. Nick’s hard-working father clashes with his seemingly lazy younger brother. Nick’s mom tries to keep the peace using her fabulous food while struggling to measure up to a ruling matriarch at church. And there is Penny, the new girl who loves baseball and just wants to show the guys how good she is. This book mixes history with sports and throws in a dash of friendship advice, a smattering of humor, a big dollop of encouragement to work hard for what you want, and then tosses in a 2,500 lb rhinoceros named Tank just to keep readers on their toes. I will definitely be buying this one for both of my middle grades libraries and will recommend it to sporty kids, lovers of historical fiction as well as those who enjoy laughing while they read a terrific realistic fiction book.
Profile Image for Sara.
216 reviews
March 8, 2020
Fun book! The author did a great job of taking us back to the 1940's where boys (and girls) lived for baseball. She did a great job of finding the voice of young boys and also showed us how immigrants instilled a terrific work ethic into their families! Awesome!!! Just talked to my dad who worked for Milwaukee Braves and sat next to Bill Veek (Joe Daggett character) during 1945 World Series. Apparently his son owns the Saint Paul Saints which carries on the tradition of fun baseball games! Getting lots of history about baseball from my dad - fun! Thanks for writing this book both for pleasure of reading and connecting with my 94 year old dad! :)
Profile Image for Patty Palmer.
37 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2018
The Rhino in Right Field

Twelve-year-old Nick Spirakis is a boy who dreams of making a name for himself. He has the hardworking part down pat, as he’s being raised in his family’s hat and shoe business. In fact, every Saturday, he works alongside his Greek immigrant father in the shop as a young apprentice. Secretly, he wishes he were playing baseball with his friends instead.

Any chance Nick gets, he is at the local zoo, which doubles as a ball field for Nick and his friends to play their own smash up of baseball. This may seem odd, and indeed it is, especially due to the fact that Tank, a 2,580 pound African Hook Lipped Rhinoceros, lives on the other side of the right-field fence! When Nick’s nemesis, Pete, hits the ball toward Tank’s pen and Nick misses the catch, he quickly climbs the fence in a fight or flight response, retrieves the ball, and resumes play. No wonder catching fly balls has Nick petrified!

Life as Nick knows it in his late 1940’s home is about to change as Mr. Daggett, the new owner of the city’s minor league baseball team, rolls in with lots of new ideas to increase attendance at the ballpark. Maybe his dreams can come true! Nick and his friends enter a batboy contest to be a Mudpuppy for the day, though this entry means that Nick has to forge an adult signature and lie to his family about his whereabouts for the involved Saturdays.

With the help of his good-natured best friend, Ace, and a new talented ball-throwing friend, Penny, Nick tries to summon the courage he needs to meet the challenge. Will the friends make the final cut and will Nick be able to keep his plan under his parents’ radar? Through a line-up of well-developed characters, Stacy DeKeyser delivers a witty, slice of historical fiction filled with references to radio announcers, frozen custard, and hard-working family values that will keep you laughing long after the final page.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
11.8k reviews472 followers
August 1, 2020
Immigration theme July Children's Books, chose for that theme. Did not read blurb, and so did not realize that the rhino is real, not a metaphor or a nickname. Also it takes place in 1948.

It begins like a fairly generic historical fiction about the son of an immigrant, but is engaging enough that I will pick it up again.

Ok done.

Kept on as it started. They historical part was always more scaffolding & subplot than focus, which made it a fun read, but I didn't like how the main character obeyed his so-called friend and peer pressure instead of his parents. I mean, yes, children need to be given opportunities to think for themselves, and even to get into mischief and make mistakes, but this was a pretty big deal imo... and indicative of how he may not make smart choices when he's a teen and the stakes are higher.

But that may be just me. Also just me may be that I just don't feel much of anything about the book. Even the funny scenes, and the fact that the boys supported the girl's desire to be a ballplayer, didn't reach inside me at all. I found nothing to bookdart.

I think you should try for yourself, though. The author's note at the end, had I read it first, would have made all the difference to me, to my enjoyment. I'll hide it in tags but I honestly think it would help to read it first.
Profile Image for Shana OkieCozyReader.
1,192 reviews53 followers
July 15, 2019
So many students love sports and animals, so what’s not to love? And it’s funny and relatable. I have seen parents comment about all the tough issues books cover (and many of those are amazing) and ask if there are books that are just fun reading, well, this is a great example.

Even though it takes place in the 1940s, the story is every bit relatable to students today, with bullies, friendship and family relationships to navigate. The characters are all enjoyable and interesting. The bits of Greek throughout are a fun touch, and the author’s note at the end wraps it all up.

One of the things I loved best about this book, is that it is written to engage 3rd-6th grade students. With quick, short chapters, it engages readers. I have so many 5-6th grade students that don’t finish books, and I think the format of these chapters would keep them interested. Also, it’s length at 257 pages is great for reluctant readers.
Profile Image for Debbie Tanner.
2,054 reviews18 followers
October 27, 2018
This is a very fun story about Nick Spirakis, the son of Greek immigrants, who is growing up in the midwest in the 1940s. Nick's dad works hard in the family business-shining and repairing shoes and hats. Nick is expected to also work hard on weekends as well as go to school (both regular and Greek). Nick's real passion is baseball. He and his friends typically play at the park, which backs up to a zoo. In fact, the rhino's cage is on the other side of right field, which makes hitting the ball over the right field fence a lot scarier than most. Nick meets the new owner of the local professional team and is excited to enter a contest to try to win a shot at being the bat boy on opening day. This book is funny and has some references to immigrant issues as well as women's rights in baseball. It was a really good story.
Profile Image for Stacy.
224 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2019
Lots of fun for kids and adults who love baseball and history, especially for people from Milwaukee.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,793 reviews
December 2, 2018
I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Set in the 1940s, Nick and his friends play pickup baseball games at the local greenspace, which so happens to be in the middle of the city zoo. Nick's outfield position places him way too close to the Rhino exhibit and sometimes he has to retrieve a stray ball from the rhino's pen. However, his love of baseball makes him take chances and continue to face his rhino fears. Nick's family is originally from Greece and they work hard to succeed in America, especially Nick's father, who works hard at his shoe shop and expects the same from Nick. Saturday's are devoted to the family business, no matter the baseball games going on at the zoo. Recently someone bought the local baseball team and plans on turning it around and making it fun again. All of the boys are encouraged to take part in a competition of baseball skills to win the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the opening game. Unfortunately, the competition is on a Saturday. Nick's father won't let him go and his uncle is up to something, so he won't cover for Nick in the shop. Nick may just has to resort to unsavory actions to get to the competition.

This novel was cute and interesting. I had hoped there would be illustrations throughout because the illustration on the cover of this book was gorgeous and would have added to the story. It was exactly what I expected to find and certainly explores the concept of work ethic vs all work no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Profile Image for Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*.
6,002 reviews212 followers
July 13, 2019
The Rhino in Right Field by Stacy Dekeyser, 257 pages. Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2018. $18.

Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Nick lives with his Greek immigrant parents and helps at the family shoe store. Nick and his best friend, Ace, are excited about a bat boy contest that the city’s baseball team is hosting, but Nick’s father wants Nick to work at the shoe store on the day of the contest. Nick and Ace come up with a lie for Nick’s parents and get him out of work, but as with most lies, it complicates things for Nick. Nick deals with family dynamics, a rhino from the local zoo, a bully, a new girl who has baseball skills and his own sub-par baseball skills.

This book is really cute and I enjoyed Nick and his struggles. There is just enough going on in the story to make it interesting and I wanted to keep reading. My only issue with this book is that I tried to read it with my elementary age son and there are too many colloquialisms and expressions that confused him. Also, the parents speak halted English which is fine for a fluent reader but not all elementary age readers would be able to understand. Although the cover looks like it’s for younger readers, a middle grade reader would enjoy it more.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Profile Image for Anita.
1,066 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2021
End the summer right. In right field, that is.

This is a gem of a story. Just look at the cover. Anything that features a rhino butt in a baseball cap is sure to grab - and hold - my son's (reading) attention.

For me, it brought back fond memories of sharing a fence with the farm team for the Toronto Blue Jays in my hometown. My elementary school held "Field Day" on their field, and players would hit balls over the chain-link to us when we were at recess.

This story was even better - it mixed rhinos and baseball and, gee whiz bang, girls! We laughed so hard we cried in some parts. Awesome way to end the summer...in right field, dodging rhinos.

Enjoy!

Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?

Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
354 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2018
This is an historical fiction story about a twelve year old with a love of baseball. Nick and his friends play in the field that is right next to the city zoo so there is actually a rhinoceros just over the fence. When a new owner buys the town's minor league baseball team, Nick is determined to win a contest so he can be batboy for a day. Nick finds a way to enter the contest which is on a Saturday, a day that his father requires him to work at their shop, but it means being dishonest. This story has an interesting plot, true-to-life characters, and a heart-warming ending. Nick is an imperfect character, but his determination, work ethic, and willingness to stand up for what's right are admirable qualities. Touching and humorous, this is a great read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Seals.
555 reviews
September 12, 2019
In this book, we follow Nick's adventures in attempting to win the Mudpuppies for a day contest! His first challenge is sneaking around his parents and defeating his number one enemy, Taki. Armed with his friend Ace, Penny, and Tank the rhino, Nick learns just how much it takes to become a mudpuppy and fight for his dreams.
I never thought I would enjoy a book about baseball until this book! Everyone was entertaining and the book never lagged in pace. It was even extra special when I discovered that the author's father hopped the fence to the rhino enclosure to get stray baseballs out (how the zookeepers didn't stop that bewilders me!) In the end, if you are looking for a quick entertaining read set in the 1940s; this book will keep you hooked the entire way through.
Profile Image for Deana Metzke.
240 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2018
Young readers who have seen and enjoyed the movie The Sandlot will enjoy this book. The main character, Nick, and his friends play baseball as often as they can, when they aren't at school or in Nick's case on Saturdays, at work. When the opportunity of their young lives, being a batboy for the minor league team, becomes available, Nick has to decide what he will risk for this chance. I do agree with a different reviewer that some readers may have difficulty visualizing this book with the different time period AND a zoo in the middle of the city, but once the storyline gets going, it's easy to jump on board.

*I received an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher/author.
Profile Image for Joe.
Author 4 books4 followers
March 11, 2019
A superb book for the entire family. I read it aloud to my children, who routinely asked to hear more. The protagonist's coming off age story-- set in 1948-- gives the author a chance to ruminate on generation gaps, gender roles, and the meaning of America. She does all of this in such a fun, breezy style that it will keep children engaged, while also giving their parents something to think about. I'd recommend Ms. DeKeyser's appearance on the Baseball By the Book podcast if anyone would like to learn more about the book. It's action packed fun that has something for everyone. Highly recommended.
3,989 reviews27 followers
June 19, 2018
When you only have one baseball and baseball field is up against the rhino enclosure, a home run to right is a real issue! Nick's got other issues too. He can't catch a fly ball, Greek school, Pete the Bully and now his hard-working Dad won't let him off working in the shop on Saturday to go the Bat boy Competition at the Mud Puppies game. What's a guy to do?

Set in 1948 Milwaukee, warm funny characters, plenty of baseball, a girl with a great arm and Nick's wonderful voice made this a sweet read. And don't forget Tank, the rhino in right field who makes his own mark on the game.
Profile Image for Eileen Winfrey.
987 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2019
This reminded me of The Sandlot in many ways, except with a focus on Nick’s family and being a first generation American. Told around a middle schoolers love for baseball, the story deals with that struggle between obeying the parents you love and doing something that you really want to do when they say no. Colorful characters and a heartwarming tale. Would read aloud, but prepare to explain to this generation what a cheesecake magazine is 😂
Profile Image for Jennifer.
467 reviews8 followers
July 20, 2019
I’m so glad this book was placed on our state reading list for this year. Great historical fiction! It took place before my time but it brought back some great memories for me. I’m not a fan of baseball but I couldn’t help but cheer for Nick throughout the story. I could tell in reading this that Nick is near and dear to the author’s heart. I can’t wait to recommend this to my students when school begins again.
Profile Image for Allison.
108 reviews24 followers
May 20, 2018
The Rhino in Right Field by Stacy DeKeyser has something for everyone. It's both funny and touching, with action and thoughtfulness. Fans of Jennifer L. Holm's Turtle in Paradise and Full of Beans will love getting to know Nick, Ace, Penny and Tank! Be sure to read to the very last word of the Author's Note.
Profile Image for Janet Lawler.
1 review1 follower
January 20, 2019
Stacy DeKeyser knows how to tell a story, and she doesn't disappoint with this wonderful mid-grade read. You'll fall in love with the characters, the setting (late 40's midwest), and even the 2,580 pound rhino! Greek heritage, relatable "average-kid" insecurities, baseball, and women's rights subplot threads give this story great depth and appeal.
Profile Image for Kary.
1,076 reviews19 followers
June 6, 2019
2020 Children's Sequoyah Masterlist

I enjoyed this much more than I expected. However, I think it will be a hard sell to my students. Baseball books never do well with my population, and to add to that, this book takes place in 1948. I don't think my kids will "get" the slang. I will try to get them into it though!
2 reviews
March 2, 2019
Love that this book takes place in Milwaukee! It’s a fun read with great characters. Anyone who likes baseball and historical fiction will enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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