Beanball

Beanball
Author(s): Gene Fehler

Its the worst sound Ive ever heard in all my years of umping.
Oh, Ive heard plenty of pitches hit a helmet.
But this . . . this fastball, up and in.
This one hit bone, right in the face.
Not even a scream or grunt from the kid.
He went down like he was shot.In the bottom of the last inning against their biggest rival, Oak Grove High has two men on base and the score is tied. Luke Wizard Wallace is at bat, and he knows what he needs to do: drive in the winning run, save the game, and be a hero.

Luke has everything under control, except the pitch.

Review(s):
The story is well paced, quite satisfying, and will appeal to the reluctant reader.
VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

In his debut novel, Fehler succeeds at every level.
Kirkus Reviews

Poet and baseball enthusiast Fehler should attract a crowd with his first YA novel, narrated by 28 narrators in free-verse monlogues. . . . Fehler does an excellent job in pacing his shifts of perspective, and the central story, of Luke’s friendships and eventual recovery, comes through with drama and clarity.
Publishers Weekly

The short, terse narrative will attract reluctant readers, and Luke’s nightmarish ordeal will keep them turning the pages.
Booklist, ALA

ISBN:9780547550015