Fair Ball (Jeter Publishing) - Hardcover

Jeter, Derek

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1481491482 ISBN 13: 9781481491488

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, 2017

Synopsis

Inspired by Derek Jeter's own life, Fair Ball is the fourth middle grade novel in the New York Times bestselling Jeter Publishing Program and focuses on the theme "the world isn't always fair."

Life isn't always fair. You can't control that, but you can control how you think and act when things don't go your way. You have to hang in there and keep after it, not get down and give up.

Derek has a lot to look forward to. School is almost out, his baseball team is competing in the Westwood Little League Playoffs, and then he'll head to his grandparents' house for the summer. Sure, there are finals to study for first, but Derek doesn't mind. Maybe this year he'll get better grades than Gary. But when his best friend Dave starts to act strangely, ignoring Derek and canceling their plans, his summer isn't looking quite so fun. What's going on? Doesn't he want to be Derek's friend anymore?

Derek is so distracted by his problems with Dave that he makes a mistake in the outfield during a key play--and his team loses the game. It's so unfair! With the championship at stake and finals looming, Derek needs to stay focused or risk everything.

About this title

Review

Short chapters allow the action to move quickly, and explicit messages about hard work and positivity are woven into the dialogue. An overarching theme is that while life is not fair, we are responsible for our attitudes toward challenges and our decisions. Important topics are covered authentically, including race, bullying, immigration, and disabilities.--School Library Journal

Crises loom when a close friend suddenly turns standoffish, and the distraction affects young Derek's play on the field. Exemplifying No. 4 of Jeter's "Life Lessons, "The World Isn't Always Fair," the episode chronicles the drive to a citywide Little League trophy. . . . Fans of Jeter and Mantell's earlier books will find more of the same here.--Kirkus Review

About the Author

Derek Jeter is a fourteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series winner who played for one team--the storied New York Yankees--for all twenty seasons of his major league career. His grace and class on and off the field have made him an icon and role model far beyond the world of baseball.

Paul Mantell is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including books in the Hardy Boys and Matt Christopher series.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1481491482
• ISBN 13: 9781481491488
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 176