“Extra Innings” – A Grand Slam for Middle-Grade Sports Enthusiasts!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the EXTRA INNINGS by Fred Bowen Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: EXTRA INNINGS

Author: Fred Bowen

Pub. Date: February 6, 2024

Publisher: Peachtree

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 144

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/EXTRA-INNINGS 

A baseball book full of on the field action perfect for middle grade readers.

“Strike one is the best pitch in baseball.” Mike loves pitching, and he loves knowing his team counts on him to deliver wins. But Mike’s father starts to worry that Mike is getting too carried away with baseball and not spending time working at after school jobs and developing a sense of responsibility. Can Mike and his father reach a compromise in order to let Mike play the game he loves and help his team win the league championship?

Read “The Real Story” of Harvey Haddix, who pitched a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves in 1959 and LOST. Baseball fans will love this extra dive into sports history.

 

Why Should You Read This?

🌟📚 Rating: 4 Stars

Fred Bowen’s “Extra Innings” hits it out of the park, delivering a delightful blend of on-field action, family dynamics, and a dash of sports history. Aimed at middle-grade readers, this baseball-centric tale earns a solid four stars for its engaging storytelling and relatable themes.

🏆 Pitch-Perfect Narration: “Strike one is the best pitch in baseball,” sets the tone for Mike’s love for the game, especially pitching. Bowen excels in capturing the thrill of being on the mound, making it an ideal read for young baseball enthusiasts. The on-field action is vividly depicted, keeping readers hooked inning after inning.

👨‍👦 Father-Son Dynamic: The subplot involving Mike and his father introduces a layer of realism. As Mike’s passion for baseball clashes with his father’s concerns about responsibility, the narrative explores the delicate balance between pursuing one’s dreams and meeting familial expectations. This adds depth to the story, making it more than just a sports tale.

🤝 Finding Compromise: The central conflict between Mike and his father offers a valuable lesson in compromise and understanding. As they navigate the challenges of balancing passion with responsibilities, readers are presented with relatable scenarios that extend beyond the baseball diamond.

📜 “The Real Story” Bonus: Bowen’s inclusion of Harvey Haddix’s real-life story adds a fascinating historical dimension. The tale of pitching a perfect game and still losing against the Atlanta Braves in 1959 is a captivating addition, enriching the overall sports narrative and offering young readers a glimpse into baseball history.

📖 Middle-Grade Appeal: “Extra Innings” is tailored perfectly for middle-grade readers, with its accessible language, relatable characters, and a plot that effortlessly merges sportsmanship with life lessons. Bowen’s storytelling caters to the target audience, ensuring an engaging and age-appropriate reading experience.

In conclusion, “Extra Innings” by Fred Bowen is a home run for middle-grade sports enthusiasts. Its combination of on-field excitement, family dynamics, and a touch of sports history make it an enjoyable and educational read. While it might not clear the bases for a full five stars, it certainly slides into home plate with a well-deserved four-star victory.

 

About Fred Bowen:

Fred Bowen was a Little Leaguer who loved to read. Now he is the author of many action-packed books of sports fiction. He has also written a weekly sports column for kids in the Washington Post since 2000. Fred played lots of sports growing up, including soccer at Marblehead High School. For thirteen years, he coached kids’ baseball, soccer, and basketball teams. Some of his stories spring directly from his coaching experience and his sports-happy childhood in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Fred holds a degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from George Washington University. He was a lawyer for many years before retiring to become a full-time children’s author. Bowen has been a guest author at schools and conferences across the country, as well as the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Fred lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife. For more information, check out the author’s website at www.fredbowen.com.

 

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of EXTRA INNINGS, US Only.

Ends February 20th, midnight EST.

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