Ball and Mallet

By: Christy Lenzi

Narrated by: David Armstrong

Taribu and Riheti are an unlikely pair—Taribu is a slave while Riheti is a noble. Determined to prove themselves, they attend the New Year Festival to play a game of Ball and Mallet. Will Taribu be able to face his fears and help Riheti win the game?

©2008 Carus Publishing dba Cricket Media (text), Teresa Berasi (cover art) (P)2019 Cricket Media Inc.

A Slave Reclaims His Pride

In this tale of a forgotten sport, Christy Lenzi transports her listeners to Ancient Sumer for a riveting match of Ball & Mallet. Our team is an unlikely pair of youths: Taribu, a slave, and his friend Riheti, a noble. When they play as “warrior” and “horse” in a war game that echoes Ulama and Lacrosse, the characters’ roles reverse. Stakes mount as Taribu strives for victory against his rival’s team. Though born to different castes, two young athletes briefly become equals in a match against bullies and oppressive authority. With rapid pace and mounting tension, "Ball & Mallet" invites young readers to explore ancient history, experience a new sport, and cheer for the underdog.

I was pleasantly surprised by David Armstrong's narration for this, as I was disappointed by his rendition of Lenzi’s "The Forty Thieves.” His voice is a much better fit for this story. Though he reads in a slightly sing-song manner, and his pace doesn't quite match the action of the plot, Armstrong delivers an experience accessible to all ages.

I love this story, the world the author weaves around her characters, the immediacy in which she expresses Taribu’s emotions and dreams. In “Ball & Mallet,” Lenzi imagines the familiar game of a lost civilization, bringing new life to Mesopotamian myth. Although its performer threatened to lull me to sleep, this audio rendition promises a vivid dream from the ancient world.

CW: slavery, caste-based oppression, bullying, minor sports-related injuries, brief mention of whipping