Super Slugger
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Cody Parker is the new kid in school. He's overweight, scared and hates his new life in Dullsville, Maryland, aka Baltimore, where he's a target okay, a big target for brutal teasing. But he loves baseball. And despite his size, he plays third base like a dream. Too bad he's competing for the starting job on the Orioles of the Dulaney Babe Ruth League against budding hoodlum Dante Rizzo, who vows to squeeze Cody's head like a grape if he beats him out. Life gets even more complicated when Cody's school, York Middle, is beset by a rash of mysterious thefts, a crime wave that threatens to sideline Cody and ruin a golden season for the Orioles. Will Cody ever succeed in getting people to see him for who he really is?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When Cody Parker arrives at a new school, he needs to prove that his burly body is good for more than just mocking. To that end, he joins the baseball team but his plan may be working to well. His spectacular performances start to show up the team's bully. Mixing issues of self-image, bullying, and sports, Ripken and Cowherd provide an enjoyable and exciting story that narrator Stephen Hoye masterfully executes, deftly handling both the young protagonist's internal life and exciting play on the baseball field. Hoye's deep, powerful voice may seem like an odd choice for a young adult novel, but he perfectly captures the emotions and angst of young Cody. But where Hoye really excels is his narration of Cody's baseball games. The authors craft baseball scenes with great dramatic flair, and Hoye executes the play-by-play with the skill of any professional announcer. Ages 9 up. A Hyperion hardcover.
