by Jean Little
First published 1994
Thomas has one burning desire: he wants to travel to Miami with Grandfather to meet Coco Grimes. The legendary Negro Leagues ballplayer knows one of Grandfather's old friends, and Thomas sees this as his chance for an unforgettable encounter. But convincing Grandfather to make the journey proves harder than Thomas expected. The boy must find a way to persuade the older man that this trip matters more than anything else. As Thomas pleads his case, he discovers that some dreams require more than just wanting them badly. The story explores the bond between a determined grandson and his grandfather, showing how shared adventures can bridge generations and create lasting memories.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, baseball, family-drama, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, intergenerational
Setting: Miami
Period: 20th-century
89 pages · Library Binding · HarperCollins