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Description
Twelve-year-old Josh is thrilled to compete against a true rival at the Baseball Hall of Fame tournament, but his plans take a back seat when he and his friends Jaden and Benji uncover a dangerous plot to bribe the head umpire. The three friends risk their own safety to expose the conspiracy and protect the fairness of the game. The story mixes youth baseball with a suspenseful mystery. This is the second book in the series.
Quick Summary
Josh can't wait to step onto the field for the Baseball Hall of Fame tournament and finally face his biggest rival, but the real excitement kicks in when he and his friends Jaden and Benji stumble onto a secret scheme to bribe the head umpire. Determined to protect the integrity of the game they love, the trio dives into a dangerous investigation that mixes clever baseball tactics with high-stakes detective work, leading to a showdown that's both thrilling and a little scary. The story delivers fast-paced sports action, plenty of buddy-banter, and moments of real heart, making it a great match for kids who enjoy both athletic competition and a good mystery. Parents will appreciate that the tension is age-appropriate enough to keep middle-graders on edge without crossing into overly dark territory. If you liked Tim Green's earlier sports thriller "The Big Goal" or Mike Lupica's "Heat," you'll probably find "Rivals" just as fun and addictive.