The Boy of Steel: A Baseball Dream Come True by Ray Negron, illustrated by Laura Seeley Ages 4-8 48 pages Regan Books August 2006 Hardcover     Both children and adults, especially baseball fans, will be moved by this powerful and inspirational book. Little Michael Steel cheers on his beloved New York Yankees from his hospital bed, stricken with brain cancer. He longs to be able to attend a game in person. Soon, Michael learns that not only will he get to go to a game, he will also be the Yankee’s batboy. In a magical pre-game trip, he meets Yankee players from the past who have also been stricken with illnesses. Their message to young Michael is to never give up. While dealing with difficult issues, the beautiful illustrations and straightforward text combine to provide an uplifting, gentle story that includes a foreword by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. So, gather up your favorite, most precious little-leaguer in your arms and read this book together. Make sure a box of Kleenex is nearby.   web reviews   Nancy Atkinson/2007 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)