Reading Metrics
Description
Josh's world turns upside down when his dad steps down as the travel baseball coach and the family is forced to move into a cramped apartment across town. The new coach is a strict drill sergeant, adding pressure to Josh's already stressful life. When he hears about a home-run derby that awards a brand-new house to the winner, he decides he must hit twenty home runs during the season to qualify. With the help of his friends Benji and Jaden, Josh works to sharpen his swing and keep his team together, hoping to turn the game into a lifeline for his family.
Quick Summary
Josh is a kid who loves baseball, but when his mom tells him they might lose their house because money's tight, he feels helpless until he hears about a community home-run derby with a prize big enough to save the day. The story follows him as he practices, deals with a few overly competitive rivals, and learns what it really means to be a team player when the stakes feel personal. It's got that mix of funny banter between friends and moments that hit you right in the gut, especially when you see a kid trying to fix something bigger than a game. Kids who love sports especially baseball will find the action scenes easy to picture, while those dealing with family stress will see a character who doesn't give up even when things look bleak. Parents will appreciate that the story stays heartfelt and hopeful, though there are a few moments that might feel a little tense when the family worries about money. Tim Green's signature style keeps the pacing tight, so even reluctant readers can zip through the chapters without feeling bogged down. If you liked Football Genius or the poetry-infused sports vibe of Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, Home Run will feel right up your alley.