Alfred Slote Boeken

Set against the backdrop of youth baseball, the story follows eleven-year-old Jake, who balances his independence with caring for his musician uncle. As his team, the Print-Alls, leads the league, they face a dilemma: they need a coach to continue competing. With no fathers willing to step up, Jake and his teammates devise a bold and unconventional plan that could change everything. Themes of teamwork, resourcefulness, and determination are woven throughout this engaging tale.

Set against the backdrop of a struggling baseball team, the story follows Bill Taylor, a talented player yearning for his father's decision to relocate the family. As he navigates the challenges of playing for Miller's Laundry, Bill grapples with his dreams and the realities of his situation, highlighting themes of aspiration, familial bonds, and the pursuit of success in the face of adversity.

Paul Mather's a pitcher -- a really good one. His off speed pitch is enough to bowl a kid backward, and his fast ball is pure smoke. There isn't anything he can't throw, from sliders, change-ups, and sinkers to a mean curve ball that breaks at just the right moment. He's pitched no-hitters and perfect games. To Paul, pitching is what you live for and why you live. Lately, though, Paul hasn't been allowed to do much of anything, much less play ball. He's got leukemia, and it's put him into the hospital several times already. His parents are so worried, they've forbidden him to play the game he loves so much. They're afraid that if Paul strains himself his illness may come back a final time...and maybe even take his life. But Paul is a winner. His team needs him, and he won't give up without a fight. Paul Mather is determined to pitch every inning...to keep playing baseball, and to keep hanging tough, no matter what the odds.