Fair Ball

February 1, 2017
Crises loom when a close friend suddenly turns standoffish, and the distraction affects young Derek's play on the field.Exemplifying No. 4 of Jeter's "Life Lessons, "The World Isn't Always Fair," the episode chronicles the drive to a citywide Little League trophy. The story acts as a platform for homilies about coping with bad breaks in baseball (and therefore life), frequent expostulations about fairness, and discussions of diversity with allusions to racial and class prejudice. Disturbed and angry that his wealthy, white friend Dave is abruptly avoiding him, Derek has such trouble keeping his head in the game that he whiffs at the plate and even muffs a play on the way to a playoff loss. It's only a setback, though, and so amid pep talks and heroic plays capped by a walk-off inside-the-park home run, he goes on to lead the Indians (a team name that passes without comment here) to ultimate triumph. Meanwhile Derek defends a frenemy from bullies at school, studies for his finals, turns 11, and, with little sister Sharlee, absorbs the message that differences should be celebrated. The problem with Dave, which turns out to stem from a parental command to steer clear of the biracial, middle-class Jeters, is solved with an air-clearing tete-a-tete between the moms, and by the end everyone is looking forward to an awesome summer. Fans of Jeter and Mantell's earlier books will find more of the same here. (Fiction. 8-10)

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March 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Ten-year-old Derek Jeter has his plate full with baseball, finals, and family. His beloved Little League team is vying for a spot in the playoffs, he's trailing just a few points behind his academic rival Gary, and being a good son and big brother are always top priorities. As summer approaches, the last thing this competitive young athlete needs is for his friend Dave to start acting weird. Breaking plans and avoiding eye contact, Dave causes Derek to question their friendship, and this distraction begins affecting both boys on the field. In the end, Derek learns an important life lesson. Short chapters allow the action to move quickly, and explicit messages about hard work and positivity are woven into the dialogue. An overarching theme is that while life is not fair, we are responsible for our attitudes toward challenges and our decisions. Important topics are covered authentically, including race, bullying, immigration, and disabilities. One drawback is the unfortunate choice to name Derek's team the Indians; this problematic detail clashes with the book's otherwise positive approach to diversity. VERDICT Purchase where sports fiction is in demand and where there are fans of the series.-Whitney LeBlanc, KIPP New Orleans Schools, LA

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