by Derek Jeter
First published 2017
Derek Jeter looks forward to summer break. His baseball team competes in the Westwood Little League Playoffs. After that, he plans to visit his grandparents. School finals come first, and Derek hopes to beat his rival Gary's grades this year. Then his best friend Dave begins acting strange. Dave ignores Derek and cancels their plans. Derek wonders if Dave still wants their friendship. The friendship problems distract Derek during a crucial game. He makes an error in the outfield that costs his team the victory. Derek feels the loss is unfair. With the championship on the line and final exams approaching, Derek must regain his focus. He learns that life brings unfair moments, but he can control his response to them.
Genres: family-life, friendship, sports, baseball, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, friendship
Setting: Westwood, Little League
Period: Summer, School Finals
176 pages · Kindle Edition · Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books