“The Goblin Pitcher” by Paul Lonardo

• 06/08/2021
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The Goblin Pitcher

Paul Lonardo
PL Publishing (2021)
ISBN 978-1-7367-0162-1
Reviewed by Grady D. (age 8) for Reader Views (06/2021)

“The Goblin Pitcher” by Paul Lonardo is an amazing book with intriguing characters and plots that are just phenomenal! It tells the story of 11-year-old Jake Lupo, who accidentally stumbles across the goblin world. When Jake constructs a fort out of magical Rowan wood, he creates a portal to the goblin world, allowing Buach (Bw-a-ch), the evil, baseball-hating goblin king, to kidnap his mother, and replace her with a doppelganger. Jake has no choice but to challenge Buach to an epic baseball game, with his mother’s life and the game of baseball at stake.

I loved the plot, which is very intriguing, especially Jake’s mom being kidnapped, because that adds the question, will Jake be able to save her?

I also loved the characters, especially Ruadhan, who is a shapeshifter, which makes him pretty interesting. Jake is also really cool, especially when you learn that he is the only one with the power to win this war. It also turns out he is an otherkin, someone who has goblin blood from both sides! Can you imagine talking to someone and them saying, “Hey, did I mention you’re part goblin?”!

Another awesome part was the setting, which was very different from what you’d expect for a story involving goblins and shapeshifting magic! I mean, the book is set in the middle of nowhere, with no technology, and no one for miles! Really, who would expect that fantasy creatures lived here?

A connection I can make between this book and real life is how at the end, Jake ends up playing on a baseball team, and in real life I play in a youth soccer league! I can understand the pressure he feels, because when I’m on the field, and my team is down, I feel pressure to score! In the end, Jake learns not to doubt his abilities but to believe in himself, which is a message I can bring on the field.

I would recommend this book to 8-10-year-olds. Anyone who loves baseball is sure to love it, but even if you’re not a fan of baseball, the book is full of adventure, and fantasy elements that you’re sure to enjoy!

In conclusion, “The Goblin Pitcher” by Paul Lonardo is a spectacular book with a very interesting plot and a very good author. This is an awesome book for kids who like sports, adventure, and fantasy! I hope you like the review! Be sure to check the book out and enjoy the hours of fun and great reading!

Bye! 🙂