The Hurricanes of Weakerville by Chris Rylander
Published by Walden Pond Press on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 006232750X
Pages: 432
Genres: Humor, Sports
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

In his newest book for middle grade readers, Chris Rylander introduces us to Alex Weakerman, a lovable misfit who is obsessed with the struggling independent league baseball team of his hometown, the Weakerville Hurricanes. Alex can’t play baseball, but he grew up going to games with his grandfather, who owns the team, and he knows the sport better than anyone else. When his grandfather dies, he makes Alex the manager of the Hurricanes. Despite being in middle school, Alex takes on this challenge, knowing that if his team doesn’t make the playoffs (which is a longshot), the new owner will dissolve it at the end of the season. Most of the team left when Alex was announced as manager, so Alex is left with a team of some professional players but also locals, like farmers and high school students. This would be hard for anyone, but especially for Alex who has Flumpo, the complete inability to speak coherently to anyone except his best friend. The Hurricanes of Weakerville is primarily a humorous book about baseball. Alex talks about strategy, statistics, and baseball magic, which fans can appreciate. There is well written in-game action that makes this a fast-paced book. Alex also undergoes character development as he learns what it means to be a friend and teammate and learns to have more confidence in himself. This is a fun, lighthearted read.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library