Heavy Hitters

June 1, 2014

Gr 3-7-Lots of things qualify as game changers for 11-year-old boys playing summer baseball: the player who gets suspended for throwing a bat, getting hit by the ball, the new kid in town who lives up to his last name of Braggs, and even the girl who prefers to hang out with the boys. There is plenty of action on the field as more game-changing events unfold before the playoffs for this team of all-stars who need to stick together to keep the season going. Though this is the third in Lupica's "Game Changers" series (after Play Makers), this one can stand alone. Reader Fred Berman keeps up with the pace of the games and drama that unfolds on the field while juggling the voices of adults, male and female, as well as tweens. There is no doubt how any of the characters are feeling as emotions are well depicted. Sports fans, especially those who love baseball, will appreciate this work, and it will especially appeal to reluctant readers and listeners.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

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