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Description
After his embarrassing strikeout last season, Eddie Jackson decided to quit baseball and stick to band practice. Coach persuades him to join the team as the backup catcher. Then the starter is injured, and Eddie finds himself back in the lineup.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a quick read about a kid who has to face his biggest fear, this one's for you. Eddie Jackson struck out badly last season and decided baseball wasn't for him but when Coach talks him into being the backup catcher and then the starter gets hurt, Eddie's suddenly back in the game whether he's ready or not. The story is short (only about 3,000 words) and written in a way that's really easy to follow, which makes it perfect for kids who might be reluctant readers or anyone who wants something light to finish in one sitting. There's humor mixed in with the nervousness Eddie feels every time he steps up to the plate, and the whole thing has that satisfying feeling of watching someone prove they can do something they thought was impossible. Fans of other sports books like those in the Jake Maddox series will probably recognize the format this one just happens to focus on baseball. Parents will appreciate that it's wholesome and shows a good message about not giving up, without being preachy about it. It's the kind of book that makes you want to root for the underdog, which is pretty much always a winner with middle-grade readers.