The Winning Stroke

June 1, 1994
Gr 4-6-After the cast comes off his broken leg, Jerry Grayson, a 12-year-old baseball player, begins swimming for therapy and is persuaded to join the swim team for the season. Despite many misgivings about the sport not being as much fun as baseball, Jerry changes his mind after seeing his first meet. Except for one improbable dialogue between him and his friend Tanya about his new racing briefs, the book has realistic settings, feelings, and conversations. Jerry's character is fully realized as he is described working through his doubts, his "butterflies" before a race, and his pride in helping his team score points. The author includes many terms familiar to competitive swimmers-disqualification, false starts, flip turns-and explains them in context. In addition, the story interweaves a comparison between the teamwork of baseball and the more individual approach of "personal best." A welcome addition.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA

May 1, 1994
Gr. 4-8. After breaking his leg in a sandlot baseball game, 12-year-old Jerry Grayson is devastated to learn that he faces months of therapy and might miss playing baseball, his favorite sport. As it turns out, Jerry's therapist is the coach of the school's swimming team, and Jerry's therapy gradually progresses from exercises in the pool to working out with the team. A natural athlete and very competitive, Jerry initially resents the swimmers' attitudes, his ineptitude, and the apparent lack of swim-team spirit. But with the help of two friends and his supportive coach, he not only learns how to be a winner, but also finds he loves the excitement of competing and becoming a team player. Jerry's transformation occurs gradually and believably: he never loses his love for baseball and is genuinely surprised to find out how much he enjoys swimming. Christopher's easy-to-read sports stories are always popular with middle-graders, but because Jerry's attitude and manner make him seem older than 12, this book will appeal to older, reluctant readers as well. ((Reviewed May 1, 1994))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1994, American Library Association.)