Description
Book SynopsisWhen he gets an opportunity to pitch for the rich kids across town, he has a chance to get drafted by the major leagues.
But playing for the other team means leaving behind his family, including Antonio, Laz’s younger brother, who more and more, seems to be drawn to the dark world of the Jet City’s drug ring.
Trade Review★ "With short, fast-paced chapters, Deuker’s realistic novel pits poverty, friendship, teamwork, self-reliance, and supportive adults against wealth, privilege, overambition, and overbearing helicopter parents. Even readers who don’t like baseball will be riveted to this human-interest, underdog story." — Booklist (starred review) "Deuker weaves an interesting plot dealing with socio-economic inequality and drug use into a cast of varied characters. An entertaining visit to the ballpark." — Kirkus Reviews "Acclaimed sportswriter Deuker deftly weaves baseball action into a solid coming-of-age tale, as Laz navigates the class divide when the well-off Thurmans take him in when he switches schools." — School Library Journal "Readers will be plenty worried about Laz’s future….cheer[ing] for Laz’s next longshot chance.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
