Reading Metrics
Description
After a tragic airplane crash that claims the lives of most of his family, Tate goes to live with his wealthy great-grandfather and his adopted black great-aunt.
Quick Summary
When a plane crash wipes out most of his family, 15-year-old Tate is sent to live with his wealthy great-grandfather and his sharp-tongued, adopted black great-aunt in a small New England town, and he quickly finds himself trying to fit in at a new school while coping with a lot of grief. He ends up joining the local baseball team, where the banter in the dugout is as funny as the games themselves, but the real story is the way he learns to let go of his anger and open up to the people who are now his family. The book mixes light-hearted sports moments with deeper scenes of loss and the awkwardness of navigating a racially divided community in the 1960s, giving it a mix of humor and heart that feels rare for a middle-grade novel. It's a quick, 35,000-word read that works well for reluctant readers who want something short but still emotional, and for anyone who likes stories where sports act as a bridge to healing. Parents should know there are a few sad moments involving the death of loved ones and some tense racial interactions, which can be good conversation starters. If you liked Maniac Magee or the movie The Bad News Bears, you'll probably find this one just as satisfying. With an AR level of 5.4, it's aimed at older kids and teens, though the straightforward language makes it accessible for younger readers ready for the heavier themes.