I thought this book was adequate for a beginning independent reader. The text is well-developed and may be a slight challenge for some beginning readers. The plot was suspenseful and the reader is left making predictions about how the baseball game will turn out and why the crowd is laughing while the main character is pitching. The characters, while slightly unrealistic, are engaging and relatable. The central message of the book is to have confidence in yourself when trying to overcome your fears.

School Library Journal 6/1/1988

Gr 2-4Mike and his telepathic dog, Harry, return for their third adventure following The Dog That Stole Football Plays (1980) and The Dog That Called the Signals (1982, both Little). Mike, the less-than-stellar pitcher for the Grand Avenue Giants, gets special help from Harry, who can spot each batter's weakness and advise Mike on the best pitches to throw. Unfortunately, Mike's arm isn't always up to Harry's coaching, and when the Giants face the Peach Street Mudders, Harry decides a new tactic is in order. Enlivened by plentiful pen-and-ink sketches, this is basically just one incident which has been stretched into a short book, and therefore there is very little plot to develop. There is, however, plenty of humor, and Christopher's fans will greet his latest offering with enthusiasm. Kathleen Brachmann, Highland Park Public Library, Ill.

Personal Review:

This short, fun story shows the frustrations and rewards that can be a part of a young athlete's life. You see, Mike and his dog, Harry, can communicate with one another, and Harry gives Mike advice during a game. But in the middle of a big game, when Mike needs Harry most, Harry's nowhere to be found. Mike has to focus and call on his self-confidence to confront the heart of the Peach Street Mudders lineup. Written by award-winning sports stories author Matt Christopher and narrated by Johnny Heller, The Dog that Pitched a No-Hitter teaches young readers that success and winning doesn't happen by magic. Christopher also teaches the importance of fair play and teamwork. ( )

Cause & Effect