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Team Talk
Recommended Reading For Any Player Who Loves
Baseball But May Not Like To Read:
HEAT By Mike Lupica: I know of two LPPLL players who would
much rather play baseball than read books; however, both LPP players
gave this book a "Grand Slam" recommendation and finished the novel
without a single prompt from their reading "coach".
Following is a review from From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-When Michael Arroyo is on the baseball diamond, everything
feels right. He`s a terrific pitcher who dreams of leading his South
Bronx All-Stars to the Little League World Series in Williamsport,
PA. It`s a dream he shared with his father, one they brought with
them as they fled Cuba and wound up living in the shadow of Yankee
Stadium. Michael`s ultimate dream is to play in the major leagues
like his hero, El Grande, Yankee star and fellow Cuban refugee.
Tragically, Papi died of a heart attack a few months back, leaving
Michael and his older brother, Carlos, to struggle along on their
own. Afraid of being separated, they hide the news of their father`s
death from everyone but a kindly neighbor, Mrs. Cora, and Michael`s
best friend, Manny Cabrera. When a bitter rival spreads rumors that
Michael is older than he appears, the league demands that he be
benched until he can produce a birth certificate. As he did in
Travel Team (Philomel, 2004), Lupica crafts an involving,
fast-paced novel peopled with strong, well-developed characters.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Michael as he struggles
with the loss of his father, stumbles into his first boy-girl
relationship, and yearns to play baseball. The sports scenes are
especially well written; fittingly, the euphoric finale takes place
at Yankee Stadium. At times, the author veers toward melodrama but
he keeps his lively plot on course with humor, crisp dialogue, and
true-to-life characters. Lupica scores another hit with this
warmhearted novel.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public
Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Visions Of Scholarships Dance In Their Heads...
If you have children who are athletic, chances are you have dreamed
of a potential college scholarship. Below is a link to a recent
article that you may find illuminating.
THE SCHOLARSHIP DIVIDE
Expectations Lose to Reality of
Sports Scholarships
By BILL PENNINGTON
Published: March 10, 2008
The expectations of parents and athletes can differ sharply from the
realities of college athletics. To read article click
here.
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