Reviews (9)

Striking Out
Striking Out
The Greatest Pitcher in Town
"Striking Out" is about a boy named Billy Baggs who wants to play baseball but his father won't let him. Billy found out that he liked baseball when went to watch the kids play at the park across the street from the feed mill. A ball flew over the fence and landed In front of Billy. Billy picked up the ball and threw it from where he was standing to home plate in one throw. Billy lives on a farm where he works every minute of everyday. One day Billy and his father had to cut up a heifer or one of there animals because it was dead. Billy's mom had an interview for a job as a secretary at the clinic.
STRIKING OUT
After five years of trying to fill his dead brothers' shoes for his father, Billy Baggs begins the struggle to forge his own dreams. In his first novel for young adults, STRIKING OUT, Will Weaver uses his memories of growing up on a farm in Minnesota to shape the setting and plot of this book. Will Weaver now lives in Bemidji with his wife and two children, where he teaches Creative Writing and English at Bemidji State University.
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Subjects:  1. Baseball    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Family - Parents    5. Farm life    6. Fathers and sons    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Minnesota    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    12. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Baseball   

Editorial Review

Outraged over the annual "Slave Day" fundraiser at his high school, Keene Davenport cooks up a few plans of his own in protest. Civil disobedience rarely proceeds smoothly in any environment--especially in a high school--so many surprises are in store! Told in alternating first-person narratives, this novel will take readers inside the lives of eight people (including geeks, beauty queens, football players, and one cranky teacher) as the events unfold during the strangest Slave Day ever. Here, Rob Thomas--one of the freshest voices in books for teens--explores the many facets of prejudice with grace, subtlety, and wit. A lively read! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Slave Day
No one at Robert E. Lee High School had ever opposed the annual "Slave Day" fund raiser.They had just let it run its course, watching student body representatives and teachers auctioned off to the highest bidders to serve as anything from book carriers to chauffeurs throughout the course of the day.At least, no one had opposed it until Keene Davenport came along.
Altered intentions
I thought that this was a great book. It really had a good feeling too it. The meaning of the book was not what you would begin the book thinking. It has nothing to do with slavery really. It just uses different stories tied into one to prove that a lot of times one's original intention could turn out to be completely altered. You may go in to a situation thinking "Wow, this is going to really suck," but your doing it for some good reason like for charity, and you come out feeling really good and much better about yourself, you may even gain a whole new perspective on life. Each character in this book changed a great amount throughout the book just as a result of being involved in a school fund raiser, in which they were involved with for various reasons. But many of them came out of it feeling better about themselves, and the rest even gained another perspective on life, which I thought was really cool. This book very good and if there were a movie on it, I would love to see it.

Beware of offensive language and subject matter
This book takes the reader through one day at Robert E. Lee High School as they are observing the annual "Slave Day".Seven different peoples' thoughts are relayed throughout the day.Any plot that was intended by the author is very difficult to follow because of the way the book is organized.Also, 72 of the 188 pages contained offensive language.There was also detailed description and slang used concerning sexual relations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. High schools    5. Race relations    6. School & Education    7. School stories    8. Schools    9. Social Issues - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / School & Education   

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Football    6. General    7. High Schools    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Social Issues - Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Abuse    10. Sports & Recreation - Football    11. Steroids   

Reviews (6)

A book any baseball fan should read!
Infield Hit is a great book for any baseball lover. Hal Stevenson is always compared to his father and doesn't like it. His father is a famous All-American 3rd baseman, who's well built and can kill the ball. Hal is built like his mom, very skinny and not very muscular. Hal has always tried to fill his father's shoes but cant. His arm isn't as strong as his dads but he is still put at 3rd base and since his dad was a hard hitter he swings a heavy bat. He can't throw the ball like his dad and is lucky to hit the ball with his heavy bat. Everything changes when he goes to a new school. A former all-star short stop also friends with Hal's dad is the coach and has a new plan for Hal. After watching him swing and miss many times he gives Hal a lighter bat. Hal is very quick and starts as a lead off hitter. The coach then moves him to second base and Hal does excellent because of his great handwork and since the throw is shorter he can get the ball to first for an out. When everything seems to go well something goes wrong. The best hitter on the team got moved from second to right field and decides to quit because he's played second for two years straight. Hal is the only one that can get him back. Read this amazing book to find out what happens and find out some other important details.

This is an inspiring book
This is an inspiring, action pack book. I loved it. I recommend this book to people who like base or to people who are thinking about trying out for baseball. Good Baseball Book
This book is about a young boy named Hal Stevens. Hal tries to live up to his dad. Hal's dad is a superstar third baseman in the major leagues. His dads name is Ralph Stevens. Hal isnt as good as a player as his dad is but he still tries and tries to live up to his expectations. But Hal doesnt have his dads strength, build, and the powerhouse hit like his dad. Hal wanted to play third base like his dad but the coach wanted him at second base because he was to small to play third. I think Thomas J. Dygard does a great job describing the characters, describing the setting, and he also uses his wording great. I also think Dygard wrote this book as good as anyone could. I really liked this book. I think this book would help people because it helps them think that they dont need to do what other people expect them to do. I thought this was one of the best baseball books i have read so far and I think you should read this book and find out what happens to Hal in the story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baseball    2. Baseball stories    3. Children's Books - Young Adult    4. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. Moving, Household    9. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (2)

A truly terrific book
Gregson' book is full of terrifically creative and easy games for everyone -- families and friendsas well as teachers.Here are games that will be new to your children and that will get their creative juices flowing. The games are engrossing and satisfying. I highly recommend this outstanding book.

Outrageous Outdoor Games Book
CORRECTION:Read more

Subjects:  1. Amusements    2. Children's 12-Up - Sports / Recreation    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. General    6. Outdoor games    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Classics    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Sports & Recreation - Football   

Reviews (2)

Luna Bay #6: Heart Breakers
This book is absolutely awesome! I recommend it for any age girls! I totally rocks! 5/5! Francess Lantz, please keep writing these type of books! They rock! Go Luna Bay!

Great!
This book is definitely one of the best Francess Lantz has written so far. I would recommend anyone to read this great book. So, READ IT, READ IT, and again, READ IT! Its awesome, believe me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Dating (Social customs)    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Movie Tie - In    7. Sports & Recreation - Water Sports    8. Surfing    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

this book was great
I loved the first book, i was a non blonde cheer leader, so i got brunettes strike back. I thought it wasnt going to be as good but i was wrong! it was great!! i loved it!

Average
I really enjoyed the first book in this series.
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Subjects:  1. Cheerleading    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Interpersonal relations    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. School & Education    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Social Situations - General    12. Sports & Recreation - General    13. Teamwork (Sports)    14. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

Pioneering Women
One of Anne LaBastille's first books takes the stories of fifteen women who stepped aside from the everyday suburbia to live a unique life and learn about nature in their own manner.The varieties of careers are as varied as the personalities of the women themselves.From river guides and biologists to ecologists and log home builders, the author lives with these women in their environment and describes their loves, fears and accomplishments.It is a tale for both men and women.Although it may seemed slightly dated now, when women are doing anything with no raised eyebrows, it takes on a special meaning when read with the reminder that this was the sixties and seventies.Ms. LaBastille did try to write a follow-up with each of these women, but only half were able to be located.Another sign of the fierce but gentle individuality of these modern pioneering women.
A Good Book
I have purchased numerous (10+) copies of this book and given it to students (both male & female) majoring in forest resources management.I want them to have both career and adventure and this book presentsnumerous examples of both.Thanks Anne. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Hiking    4. History    5. Natural Resources    6. Outdoor recreation for women    7. Sports & Recreation    8. United States    9. Women naturalists    10. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (1)

This book is swift and fun!
Heaven by a twist of fate escapes a house fire in this latest edition of this electric series. With a reluctant goodbye to Hiro she's off to the dazzle of Las Vegas where she seeks an old friend. In Las Vegas one can be blown wayward on their path and Heaven says Hello to an old friend-Katie and a new bubbly friend-Mr. Alcohol which she had a wild, reckless and ultimately humiliating relationship with in Book 3 The book of the Pearl (remember the jelly fish scene?). The alcohol misuse aside this is a fun, fast paced book. We see a new side of Teddy which makes him a more multi dimensional character and something very sweet and wonderful happens at the end (quess cuz I'm not going to tell!:) Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Graphic Novels    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Comics & Graphic Novels - General    5. Fiction    6. Girls & Women    7. Japan    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Las Vegas (Nev.)    10. Samurai    11. Sports & Recreation - Martial Arts    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (2)

Good subject for a biography report; not a great book
My son and I learned about Moe Berg at the Spy Museum in Washington DC (which is well worth a visit).Knowing he would have to write a biography book report in 5th grade, I ordered this book so he could cover something other than just sports. A jewish WWII spy who played pro baseball, spoke multiple languages, had a law degree, studied nuclear physics with Einstein and travelled the world . . . . an athlete and intellectual, eccentric and unusual. Berg's life story is fascinating, easily holding the interest of a fifth grader, and it made a stellar biography report.My son learned a lot about many subjects. So, I recommend the reading this book.
A great book.
I loved this book because it was just like an autobiography, but not in first-person. I never knew that someone can be a outstanding baseball player, but also a sneaky spy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1902-1972    2. Baseball players    3. Berg, Morris,    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    7. Biography & Autobiography - Ethnic    8. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    9. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    10. Biography/Autobiography    11. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    12. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    13. Juvenile literature    14. Secret service    15. Spies    16. Sports - General    17. United States    18. World War, 1939-1945    19. Secret service, espionage, spying    20. USA   

Reviews (3)

BABE The Babe
Written on a sophomoric level, this brief biography of Babe centers on the highlights of her life but ignores Babe's life-long emotional roller-coaster. After reading this book, you may think Babe enjoyed her life as an outcast and her distinctive masculine character was merely a promotion gimmick; that her `tomboy' nature disappeared when her sexual identity was questioned. It completely ignores the many questions about her sexual ambiguity and promotes her marriage to George Zaharias as the real thing. If it was a `for real' marriage, why did George promote constant `out-of-town' excursions, rarely joining her, seemingly content to be separated for long time periods? This book is like a biography written about pre-AIDS Rock Hudson or Liberace. It does not examine the real Babe .... a gifted athletic ahead of her time who tried to fit in. Sports probably kept her sane. This book does not tell you who the Babe is or what she was up to; only what she achieved.

Fun, readable & informative for young and old alike
I loved reading about this gregarious and complicated athlete.This is a biography intended for young adults, but everyone will like it.Cayleff's original adult biography says she spent ten years researching Babe's life, interviewing surviving family and friends, etc., so her story is the real thing.It's also an important story, since she was the only female mentioned in the top 10 of "the greatest 20th century athletes" lists by ESPN, etc. Yes, the greatest athlete...
Susan Cayleff, presents the factual information in a clear and comprehensive manner. It is unfortunate that the life of Babe, reads like asophmoric book report. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1911-1956    2. Athletes    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    5. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. United States    10. Women athletes    11. Zaharias, Babe Didrikson,    12. Biography: sport   

Reviews (1)

This devotional book is the best thus far!
Hey teens who are sports fanatics out there! I am a 17 year old who loves sports of all kinds, and more importanly, I love my Jesus with my whole heart. I have grown so much closer to Him by reading Devotions From theWorld of Sports. John and Kathy are incredible writers which God has giventhe gift of writing to them. They make it so clear in this book how to livefor God. Plus, you get to know some sports history on the side. I've hadthe pleasure of talking to John online, and he is an example to us all!Pick up his and his wife's book today, and I can gurrantee you will walkcloser with your Savior! It is the highlight of my day. God bless you allout there. I love you all as a sister in our Lord God Almighty! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Athletes    2. Children's 12-Up - Religion - Devotional    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Religion    4. Christianity    5. English    6. Meditations    7. Prayer-books and devotions    8. Reference    9. Religion - Christianity    10. Religion - Christianity - General    11. Religion - Prayer & Prayerbooks    12. Religious aspects    13. Sports    14. Sports & Recreation    15. Sports & Recreation - General    16. Sports spectators   

Reviews (3)

Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: The making of a champion, by Russell Freedman.This book was great.It doesn't just tell about her adult life; it also talks about how she got started, like when she was young.She was always the tomboy type until she was in her twenties.As she got older, she had to be the center of all the attention.To tell you the truth, she was always full of herself, which wasn't always a good thing.Babe participated in almost every sport that a woman could do.She was good at every one of them, too.She turned professional in track and field, basketball, and golf. I recommend this book to any girl who loves to compete in sports. I really didn't have a role model until I read this book!

Interesting and Compelling
This book is an interesting, yet honest look at the life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias.There are parts of the book that are necessarily a bit dry, e.g., the explanation of how and why she tried to regain her amateur statusafter playing as a professional.Most of the book, however, does anexcellent job of getting the reader to feel her seemingly boundless energyand determination.It also does a good job of portraying the limitationsof the era on female athletes.It doesn't make them into tragedies, but itdoes point out that they were more "hurdles" that Babe had toovercome. A 5 star book: suspenseful and exciting!
When asked if there was something she didn't play, Babe replied smiling: "dolls!" This intriguing book by Russell Freedman lets you in on the tragic and wonderful secrets in Babe Didrikson Zaharias's life.Fromhurdling her neighbor's bushes to winning world-wide golf tournaments,Babe's extraordinary life captures all young readers!How good can Babeget?This wonderful story tells it all with excitement and suspense. Enjoy your reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1911-1956    2. Athletes    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    5. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    7. Children: Grades 3-4    8. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    9. Girls & Women    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. United States    13. Women athletes    14. Zaharias, Babe Didrikson,    15. Biography: sport    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Sports & Recreation    17. Track & field sports, athletics    18. Zaharias, Babe Didrikson   

Reviews (1)

Fabulous!
Great, great book! I think anyone who wants a fun and interesting book to read should read this book. It definitely is one of my favorite books! Have fun reading it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Competition    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Love & Romance    7. Sports & Recreation - Water Sports    8. Surfing    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Murder at Hockey Camp
The Screech Owls travel to cottage country for summer hockey camp. The owner is a bully and Muck has to tell him not to mess with the Screech Owls. The next morning a body is found in the boathouse. Muck is being blamed. What are the Screech Owls going to do?

Murder At hockey Camp
Travis,Nish and Sarah are Stuned when they find a Dead body of Buddy'O Riley when Muck is framed for murder. A very snecky story for readers 10+ especially for hockey fans . I give this book and series a 5 out of 5 ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Camps    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Hockey    7. Hockey stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Mystery and detective stories    11. Sports & Recreation - Hockey    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (6)

The Chief
The Chief i did this for you ms b.
I liked this book it was really interesting in that it told how Sonny Bearthe main character on his journey to the heavyweight championship.

Great book
I really liked robert Lypsyte's book The Chief. It really gave me a feel for the characters. It also made all of these emotions towards the characters surface, which I really like in a book. The author makes you have feelings for the characters. He makes you really want the characters to either succeed or fail, but there is not any room for an "I don't care" character. All in all I think everyone should read this book, because it is truly an example of great writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boxing    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Indians of North America    6. People & Places - United States - Native American    7. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    8. Sports & Recreation - General    9. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Native American   

Reviews (12)

Value system for life
Anson Dorrance provides an excellent framework to guide young adults in developing character, leadership and respect for others. This book is about much more than soccer...it is a guide for life.

A Coaching Must Have
If you are considering coaching at any level, this is a must read.Anson translates his passion for soccer into an enjoyable and easy read.His honesty regarding technique, strategy and motivation will improve anyone's coaching ability. Highly recommended.

Amazing!
This book is amazing. It is absolutly irresistable. A must read for all. Perfect insight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Coaching    3. Coaching - Soccer    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Soccer for women    8. Sports & Recreation - General   

Reviews (10)

Backfield Package
Backfield Package is a book about a group of kids in high school who all play football for their school. They all make a pact to go to the same college, but when the quarterback Joe Mitchell is spotted by scouts for college their plan may be different. Now he is put in a difficult position, go with his friends or his potential career as a football player.The audience of this book is most likely going to be a younger audience.If you like football then you should read this book!!!

This book scores a touchdown every time!
Backfield Package
Backfield package
Will Joe keep his word to the backfield package, or will he follow his own promising football career?Thomas Dygard scores a touchdown with Backfield Package, another well-written football story.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Football    6. Friendship    7. High schools    8. Literature (Young Adult)    9. Schools    10. Sports & Recreation - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / General   

Subjects:  1. Athletes    2. Attitudes    3. Children's 12-Up - Sports / Recreation    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    5. Corrupt practices    6. Juvenile literature    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation - General    9. Sports (Young Adult)    10. United States