Lupica, Mike

Sixth grade is supposed to be the year that Jack Callahan would lead his team to a record-shattering season and the Little League World Series, but after the death of his brother he loses interest in baseball and only Cassie, star of the girls' softball team, seems to understand.

In Los Angeles, twelve-year-old Charlie's skill at fantasy football gains the attention of both the local media and the owner of a professional football team.

"Ben and his friends are so excited to play in their town's All-Star Baseball league. But in the first game of the season, Ben gets hit by a pitch. It's never happened to him before and it shakes him up...Another player on Ben's team, Justin, is acting really weirdly. Ben's known Justin for a while and they're friendly, but he's not one of Ben's closest 'boys.' Justin is the team's best hitter but his behavior on and off the field is erratic...Ben discovers that Justin's family is having some problems and Justin is thinking about quitting the team. Like good teammates do, Justin helps Ben deal with his hitting issues, while Ben is there for his friend as he is struggling." back cover.

Brainy Scott, a great kicker who otherwise struggles with football, and star quarterback Chris, who has dyslexia, team up to help each other succeed in both football and school.

Presents a collection of articles about sports, originally published in 2004 and selected by editor Mike Lupica, including pieces by Bill Plaschke, Ira Berkow, Tom Verducci, Gary Smith, and more.

Playing baseball was the one thing that made Nick Crandall feel at home until he found acceptance with adoptive parents, but he faces a new struggle to fit in when he becomes the first seventh-grader ever to make the varsity baseball team.

Brainy Scott, a great kicker who otherwise struggles with football, and star quarterback Chris, who has dyslexia, team up to help each other succeed in both football and school.