Golden Arm

by Carl Deuker, Nick Walther (Narrator)

'GOLDEN ARM' is a riveting story about baseball and brotherhood. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks finds himself pitching his way out of poverty–one strike at a time. By "a premier author of provocative YA sports novels" (The Bulletin).

 


RUNNING TIME ➜ 7hrs. and 13mins.

©2020 Carl Deuker (P)2020 Recorded Books

Genres: Sports, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Poverty, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published April 7, 2020

Reviews

[Gary Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

High school senior Lazarus Weathers is the central character in Carl Deuker’s Golden Arm (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2020). Laz lives in a rough trailer park and goes to a rough high school, but he is a great pitcher. When the team situation at his school changes, Laz’s golden arm gives him the chance to contend for a state title at an upper-class school and possibly be drafted by a major league team. Although surrounded by problematic situations, Laz is a noble kid who maintains his character, even when it would be easy for him not to.

Attention to detail is a hallmark of author Carl Deuker’s body of work, and Golden Arm is no exception. The book takes place in various areas of Seattle, and Deuker clearly knows his way around the city. This attention to detail in the setting also applies to the baseball. Deuker captures the drama in every pitch and on-field situation, and he knows the ins and outs of how high school baseball programs function. Although there is a situation toward the end where the timing strains believability, baseball fans will find the technical aspects of the story satisfying even as they are caught up in the book’s messages about holding on to one’s dreams and resisting the pressures that come from every social environment.

Any time Carl Dueker publishes a new book, it’s good news for those of us who find ourselves recommending titles to young readers because Deuker’s sports books are always of such high quality. Deuker’s years as a teacher in the trenches give him credibility and insights into how high schools work and how students think and act. His fast-paced short chapters, authentic high school situations, compassion for underdogs, and sophisticated knowledge of the game combine to make Golden Arm an excellent choice for young readers looking for books about sports. Right now when some of us are missing baseball, Golden Arm is exactly what some kids need, but this title will be around for a long time. Carl Deuker’s Gym Candy (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2007) is usually one of the most well-worn books on a school library’s shelves, and Golden Arm is every bit as evocative as Gym Candy and other Deuker titles.

[Carol Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of excitement on the field but the hero is a c-c-crashing bore. I was rooting for the bad boy brother all the way through -- he reminded me of Tuco on BREAKING BAD. Go Antonio!

It's really impossible to describe how blah this book was. Lazarus the hero is so humble, yet not lovable, like Shoeshine Boy in the old cartoon series Underdog. Every time the family has a meal he has to give you a dreary rundown, like, "we had microwave pizza with peas and carrots foraged from beneath the dumpster. Antonio sneered at his stepfather throughout the meal while I gazed worshipfully at the Mariners came on television."

Just about every character in this book is more interesting than good old Laz. Plot threads that might promise drama and excitement are never really followed up. Spoiled rich kid Ian tris to get Lazarus to use his brother's "drug connections" to score pills for the team, yet when Laz says no Ian becomes a regular guy for the rest of the book. Huh? I really wanted more tension between Laz and Ian. The two of them are like Bruno Stachel and Willi Von Klugermann in THE BLUE MAX. I kept waiting for Ian to lose his cool, and bellow, "We've tolerated you here because we've HAD to!"

But no, no bellowing. No drama. No excitement. Just Laz, d-d-doing his best to bore the hell out of everyone. At that, he's an all-star.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another solid sports story from one of the premier author's of the genre. My kids LOVE all of Deuker's books and there is a pretty steady rotation of them in and out of my shelves in our school library. I have had this one tagged for months, waiting for it to publish, so I could read it. It was already a given purchase (sports stories are in HIGH DEMAND in my building, so this was an auto-buy). BUT, I am happy to report that not only is it one that the kids will read because they read anything sports related, it is also one that they should read because it's pretty good.

There is plenty of sports action and writing to keep sports fans entertained, and there is also a solid plot line dealing with poverty, the opportunities afforded to those kids who can play select ball and play yea-round, as well as the gray area of recruiting transfers.

Laz is a kid who lives in a trailer park with his mother and his half-brother. He's a great pitcher, but he's never had a coach who could help him out or a team that was able to really support him. Now, his school is cutting the baseball program and his mom is forced to move when the trailer park is sold and set to be razed. A man who saw Laz play at a community center game asks him if he would be interested in coming to try out at the school his son attends-a wealthier school with a team that has been chasing a state championship for years. The man offers to let Laz live with his family for the semester. All of this is great because it means that Laz might be able to find a way to his ultimate dream: playing in the major leagues. But, leaving home means also leaving his half-brother. Antonio has recently gotten caught up with some bad characters and Laz knows he is dealing drugs. How far will he go to protect his brother, even if it means losing out on his own chances?

Highly recommend. This is a first purchase type of book. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good plot, fast paced and an easy read. Short chapters make the story move along faster.

[Jo Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Missing spring training this year, inspired me to read an author my students love. Carl Deuker's newest is the perfect remedy for quarantine. Laz weathers is growing up with a mom and his brother, trying to get by, living in a trailer park. He is a pitching phenom., but his school has just dismantled their baseball team, right as Laz was entering his senior year, the year scouts would be making their draft picks. Enter the Thurman family, who offer Laz room and board and the opportunity to play for their Laurelton HS, a championship team, although they have never clinched states. Are the Thrumans doing this to bring glory to themselves, or do they really want to help Laz? Dealing with grown-up life decisions, Laz also has to deal with his younger brother who may be getting mixed up in drugs. The baseball action was authentic, the character development was spot on- and the story was a page-turner. I hope there is a sequel. I want to know that Laz did well. Great book- cannot wait to share with my students

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second sports book in a week or so and I'm not really a sports reader, but this was great! I thought the chapters about the games worked even for a non-baseball person. Not too much detail for non-baseball folks, but enough to keep the plot going. Hopefully it is enough for baseball fans. I liked that Laz seemed very aware of who he was and what his options were. I liked his friendship with Suja. I thought his decisions were believable. The other characters were fleshed out enough for me to distinguish between them easily.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time and time again, I have seen Carl Deuker's stories inspire kids as readers. His keen sense of pacing, excellent sports writing, and realistic situations keep kids turning the pages and often times accomplishing more than they thought was possible. His newest book Golden Arm does not disappoint. Great characters and baseball action throughout are sure to keep kids going until it is gone...another home run book!

[Ethan Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a pretty typical Deuker novel which isn't a bad thing at all. His ability to accurately describe athletic events in an engaging way is fairly unrivaled in the world of YA. Baseball players in particular will enjoy this book. There are also characters struggling with poverty, family members dealing drugs, and father figures re-entering the picture. A good addition for those kids who come wanting "a sports book."

[Chloe Pesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great addition to our sports section. Detailed descriptions of baseball plays will appeal to sports fans. The plot is predictable, but a solid choice for sports readers.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Golden Arm by Carl Deuker is a fictional sports book about Larazur “Laz” Weathers, a high school pitcher, beating the odds and becoming a professional pitcher. Laz grew up poor in a bad part of Seattle, Washington, in the McDonald's home park, Jet City, where it wasn’t uncommon to find drugs and gangs. Instead of joining a gang, Laz said that baseball is his way out of this life that his family and himself are caught up in. Unfortunately for Laz, the North Central baseball team has some trouble fielding a team, and that leads to them forfeiting their season. This is why Laz would catch the break of a lifetime. Laz had participated in a senior league that just happened to also have the number one player in the state of Washington, Ian Thurman, and Lan’s dad was so impressed with Laz's ability to pitch. When he found out Laz didn’t have a team to play for, he moved him into his home to play for Laurelhurst High, one of the top programs in the state.
This was the break that Laz needed; he quickly became one of the top pitchers in the state and got put on the MLB draft boards. Shortly after Laz moved out, his younger half-brother, Antonio Driver, got involved with some of the wrong people in Jet City. On the day of the State Championship, Laz was supposed to pitch in and live out a lifelong dream playing Safeco Field, the home of his Mainers. Laz left to go find his brother, who was shot as a result of a drug deal gone wrong. This cost Laz his dream, but all of it later that summer, Laz would draft Settle Maniers in the twenty-third round of the MLB draft. Giving Laz another chance to pitch on Safeco Field.
Golden Arm is a true underdog story. A poor kid from the bad part of town gets drafted to play professional baseball for the baseball team that he has followed his whole life. As a Sprot fan myself, I live an underdog story. It shows that anything is possible and to never give up. That is what I think the message behind that book is: anything is possible, no matter the circumstances that you come from. Understanding how kids that are living in situations similar to Laz’s would view this story as a great one and one that would inspire them to not live the life of gangs and drugs. Live your life like Laz, climb that mountain, and pitch on for your favorite team. An underdog story gives people hope that it can happen, and the book Golden Arm isn't any different.
When all is said and done, I would recommend this book to young baseball players and young sports fans because it is about beating the odds and not making excuses. This book is just another example of not giving up, which I think is a huge problem with kids today when things get tough.

[Rohin Kuttymartin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Laz Weathers and his half-brother Antonio Driver. Laz is very quiet compared to others he has a stuttering problem and a learning disability. Antonio is the opposite, he is the life of the party and always talks. They live with their mom in a very rough trailer home in North Seattle. One thing both boys have in common is their love for baseball. Laz is a pitcher and he is very good. Antonio is right behind him at shortstop. After their high school season gets cut short due to budget Laz is devastated because he thinks his chance of making the MLB is ruined. He joins a rec league where they face off against one of the best teams in the state and has the best player in the state Ian Thurman. Laz pitches against their team and does really well. Because of this, the coach for the team wants Laz to pitch for him. To do this he has to move out of the trailer and to a different part of Seattle. He would have to move to Ian Thurman's house and stay with him. Around this time Antonio starts hanging out with the wrong group of people. So, Laz has to decide if he should move and accomplish his dreams of making the MLB or, stay and protect his younger brother.

[Justine Ridder · Rating 2 out of 5]

My biggest issue with this book was the voice of it. Laz is 18-19 years old in this movie. It's the summer before his senior year for half the story and the other half is his senior year. But because Laz has a stutter, he sounds really young. I think that is partially because of the voice that Carl Deuker gave him. When I'm listening to the audiobook, I keep thinking Laz is in middle school. I then am reminded that Laz is trying to get into the Major League Baseball...now. Not the hopes of joining in a few years, but NOW. This book is considered young adult and geared toward high school students. I would think that any high schooler reading this may think it's too kiddish for them because of how it reads.

[Cole Himmelberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book four out of five stars because I didn't really enjoy the way it ended. This book was intended for teenagers but could be easily read by adults, although I wouldn't give it to children due to its complexity. I think a reader that loves sports and a great underdog story would enjoy this book because it has a fantastic mixture of the two. I really enjoyed how the main character Lazarus was able to succeed in his high school baseball career, and how he made something out of nothing. I also enjoyed how the book was realistic and showed how the characters' failures and flaws within the games and outside of them. Like I mentioned earlier, I think this book could have been improved by having more closure at the ending and what happens to him as he goes on in his life.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars! Laz is a great character, and I was rooting for him the whole time! The ending could have been stronger and ended more meaningfully, and there was too much explanation about each of his pitches. Overall, a great story about an underdog!

[Jawahir the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC when I visited YALC (Young Adult’s Literature Convention) last summer in London. Of course since I have magnificent eyesight and an even better memory *said with dripping sarcasm* I haven’t noticed that it’s an ARC and I assumed it was just a free giveaway, then I stored it somewhere in the bookshelf and kind of forgot about it….

But I got my hands on it, and I’m ecstatic that I discovered this YA book!

Description Summary: A riveting underdog tale that doesn’t fall for the hallmark victory movies that you got repeated. It will leave your heart soaring and your fists pounding as you follow Laz’s personal journey to victory.

Score: 4.5/5

This is one of the most important YA books.

I repeat. This is one of the most important YA books.

The story is just fantastic, Deuker’s writing is gripping and had me glued to the spine of the book watching and reading every move our MC is going to do. Speaking of the MC, Laz Weathers is possibly one of my fav YA characters out there. And I love that Deuker portrayed an MC with a disability (stuttering and learning disabilities in this case) in the way that he did. Laz’s disabilities did not prevent him from dreaming and dreaming big, nor does his background or run down neighbourhood presents as an obstacle to him.

I think a lot of teens and young adults would really benefit from reading something like this, a coming of age story with ups and downs, where not everyone wins and life may seem unfair but you get by and by getting by you realize that that is a personal victory all on its own.

Book Summary:
”Half-brothers, but full team-mates”

Laz Weathers and Antonio Driver are brothers that are as different as they can be: Laz is not great with his academics mainly due to his learning disability, while Antonio was a straight A student. Laz was shy and awkward while Antonio was the life of the party. Laz’s first instinct is to shut down and run, Antonio would be gearing up for a fight.

Though they shared a bond through baseball. Baseball was everything to Laz, it came to him like breathing air and moving muscle. Like how flying came to birds and swimming came to fish; it was nature’s calling to him.

Having shined as a star pitcher on his broken down high school North Central, his baseball coach pitched in a good word for him to the glitzy and rich highschool across town: Laurelhurst High. Laurelhurst High had one of the best teams in Seattle, and after making it through tryouts Laz can’t believe the opportunities that had opened up to him.

However, the family faces a setback when a multimillion corporation decides to tear down their trailer park.

Mr.Thurman, father to star player of the team Ian Thurman, offers to house Laz at his home for the duration of his high school year since he’s made to the team and they’re counting on Laz to get them the state championship especially since Laurelhurst lost three years in a row.

Laz is thrown in a whirlwind where he becomes from nobody to star pitcher of acclaimed Laurelhurst high school. With fame comes it’s trials and challenges, and Laz must try to prove to himself and to everyone that this poor kid from a ramshackle trailer park with a learning disability deserves his worth. But just as Laz is going up, Antonio starts mixing with the wrong crowd getting involved with drugs and gangs.

Laz is in a tough spot to protect the closest person to him in this world and trying to secure the position of a lifetime. End of Summary.

I really loved the way this book was written, the writing style was smooth like river water. Deuker wrote the baseball matches in a way that even to me someone who never watched baseball in their entire life managed to hold her breath anticipating the home runs and the strikeouts.

Laz is my favorite thing from this book. I swear when he reached the state championship all for THAT to happen, I was crying like a mother who watched her son get rejected from his dream university. But then at the end of the book THAT happened and this time my eyes were bawling.

Here’s where it lost a bit for me: The secondary characters and their relationships with the MC.

I wish there more in depth exploration about Ian; I want to know why is his relationship with his dad the way it is? What got him doing the things he did? How did he feel about Laz moving in? Does baseball matter that much to him or is it his father’s dream? I really wanted to hear more about his POVs.

I also wish there were chapters about Antonio’s POVs; What compelled him to mix in with the “wrong crowd”? What did he think of Laz and his progress? What did he think of Curtis? We only heard Laz’s side of the story but I think Antonio’s side could have proven a strong point in the narrative of the story.

Finally I didn’t really get Suja and her relationship with Laz. She was more like his secretary or assistant than a friend. She’s kinda a pushover, not gonna lie I didn't like her that much. Then there’s snarky Pop Vereen, man do I have some words for him.

Do I recommend? Yes! 10/10

[Mary Nolan-Fesmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

RFAL 24-25. Better than I expected!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Scout Weichbrodt]

So very good!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laz Weathers has multiple strikes against him. He lives in a trailer park in the rough part of town. He was born two months early and struggles with school. Kids mock him because he stutters. His only ally is his half-brother Antonio. Laz has an amazing pitching arm and hopes to be drafted by a major league team. When his school gets rid of every sports team before his senior season, including Baseball, Laz is devastated. He gets an opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the state. The only problem is he will have to leave his family behind and move in with a host family. Antonio has been spending too much time hanging out with the local drug dealer. Laz worries he will lose his brother forever if he leaves. Golden Arm is a study in contrasts between the only world Laz has ever known and an easy life in a wealthy suburb. Deuker has crafted another winner. I recommend it for fans of young adult sports books.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Major League teams don't draft mediocre pitchers."

Ah, it's been a while since I've read about baseball. Last time I checked, I read Who is Derek Jeter? in fourth grade. Sorry, baseball. But I'm back though!

Anyway, this book is about a kid in the lower-class who is trying to make it into the real world through his favorite outlet, baseball. He can pitch 80-90 MPH, and he shows promise to move up to the big leagues.

Only one big problem. His team sucks. In fact, it's the school where most of the lower-income families in his hometown go to. The new principal even took away the baseball team because she believed that it was taking too much money.

Won't reveal anything else, but the kid's brother, Antonio, does get into the drug trade, and there is a shocking ending, so-WAIT! I NEED TO STOP.

So I am stopping.

5***out of 5 stars

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Lazarus Weathers lives in the Jet City trailer park in Seattle with his mother and half brother, Antonio. He has a job at a nearby golf course, and manages to play ball on a couple of teams. When his school team is disbanded because a large percentage of the players get in trouble, he turns to his rec league coach for help. Laz is good, but he isn't going to get the attention of scouts playing for school teams like North Central. After his school's team disbands, he is allowed to go to another school to play, and is asked by the father of a Laurelhurst player to consider that school. At the same time, the trailer park is going to be torn down, and the reappearance of Antonio's father puts the family at four-- too large for the best choice for housing, which is 25 miles away. He moves in with the Laurelhurst family, who are nice to him, even if he feels awkward living in their basement. There's always food, they give him a computer to use, and the school is much better as well. Laz has struggled in school, partly due to his stutter, and he is able to get tutoring at Laurelhurst to bring his grades up. He's still concerned about Antonio's friends, because he hangs out with a known pill pusher. There is also a girl, Suja, at North Central whom Laz really likes, so he keeps returning to the neighborhood to see her and to work at the golf course until it closes. The Laurelhurst team does well, and Laz could possibly get a job on a pro team if he plays his cards right, which will enable him to have a place to live when he graduates from high school. When a crisis with Antonio causes him to miss a championship game and also taints his image, will he be able to make his baseball dreams come true?
Strengths: Deuker always writes such intricately deep sports stories, and this one is excellent. Laz's life in the trailer park, trying to make ends meet, is a compelling story without the sports, but his drive to make a career out of his talent will appeal to young readers even more. There's never any certainty about what might happen next-- I was definitely kept on the edge of my seat reading this one. We see just enough of Antonio's life to be worried about him, and to know how much Laz cares about him, so that it's not a surprise that he goes to his aid. The culture shock of going to Laurelhurst is handled well, and the details of being scouted are realistic but not overly hopeful. The light romance, as well as a side story with a local reporter, adds even more depth. It's very evident that Deuker puts a lot of care and thought into his writing!
Weaknesses: This is a bit more of a high school book, given the length. There's also just a tiny bit that gave me pause for middle school; when Antonio's father moves in, Laz is worried that he and his mother will "have sex" and it will be awkward in the small trailer. There are no details, and even the most naive 6th grader will have heard that phrase, but it is there.
What I really think: It's usually my football and basketball fans that want grittier inner city stories, but I love Deuker's work so much that I will buy this for my die hard 8th grade baseball readers who have read everything else I have. The cover is fantastic.

[Jack Wingerter]

Book review: Golden Arm by Carl Deuker
(Wingerter Jack)



In the story, Golden Arm by Carl Deuker, the main character is a seventeen year old kid named Laz who lives in a city called Jet City where his family of four is going through poverty, and if things couldn't get worse for him, he is about to lose his home because the city is tearing down the trailer where he lived. Laz is a great pitcher on a baseball team that sucks, the team he plays on is a community team which means it's free, and the kids who play are either being forced by their parents and don't want to be there, or their parents can't afford their kids playing on an actual team. After Laz’s home gets torn down he will have to go to a new school twenty six miles away from Jet city, He’ll have to stop playing baseball, and He’ll be the new kid with absolutely no friends, but about two months before the destruction of the trailer park occurs he is given the opportunity of a lifetime. He is able to go to a nearby school, and keep playing baseball for a good team, but this great opportunity has some flaws, he would have to move in with his coaches family, and he would have to leave his family behind while they get a three person bedroom in the city. Laz although cautious about this choice he jumped at the opportunity and moved in with his coach and went to the new school where he would start his baseball career.Throughout the story Laz faces many obstacles throughout this story, like the drug dealer his brother is friends with, that he is the new kid at his school after he moved, and having to leave his family behind and live with a family where he only knows the Dad.

Golden Arm is a book that not a lot of authors can write. The story had a lot of good twists, and turns throughout.The story is the perfect mix of drama,action, and character development. I really liked this book because I play baseball, and because of that I can relate to some of the stuff in this book making it more interesting. Carl Deuker made this book very interesting by having a great character development, and a lot of drama.I read this book two times in two months because it was such an interesting book that I never got tired of.

In this book, Laz shows a lot of perseverance after moving away from his family to pursue his baseball career although he is back and forth about if he should do it. He still stands strong and works hard to continue to play baseball. This stands out to me the most because it would be hard to stay strong after something as harsh as leaving your family, and barely being able to see them once a week would be terrible, and I couldn't imagine what that would be like. This shows how strong Laz is throughout the story, and shows how he is such a good character throughout the story.

I would give this book a five out of five because the book was very clear about what was going on, and the plot was amazing. Carl Deuker wrote a masterpiece, and I would recommend this book to anybody who likes baseball or a good book.

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golden Arm by Carl Deuker, is a sports novel about Laz Weathers, a high school pitcher with big dreams of going pro. The book follows the pressure Laz feels from his own hopes for the future. As Laz tries to deal with his injury, he starts to realize that his dream of playing professional baseball might not happen, and he also has to deal with the problems of his family. The story takes place in Seattle, where Laz, his mom, and step brother live in a trailer park. You really get a sense of how much baseball means to him. Due to his family not being financially stable he has to work harder to get noticed, he even has to live with a teammate to be able to play high school ball. When things were getting good his step-brother Spoiler: gets Laz shot in his drug dealing altercation, and his future is put at risk.

What I liked most about this book was how Laz felt throughout his journey. He wasn’t just a perfect athlete, he was someone dealing with a lot of pressure and family financial problems. His relationship with his step-brother was really good but even had some heartfelt moments in it. Antonio his step brother doesn’t play around, but you can tell they care about each other. Another part that really stuck with me was when Laz’s coach keeps pushing him to play even if he couldn't afford to play. The pressure Laz feels isn’t just about the game, it’s about his whole future. The scene made me think a lot about how much people push themselves when they’re chasing something big, even when they know they might be going too far.

The book was good, but there were a few things I didn’t like. The beginning felt kind of slow with a lot of talk about how his family were being forced to move out. It took a while for things to really pick up baseball wise. Also, I think the emotional side of Laz’s injury could’ve been explored more. We see that he’s frustrated, but it would’ve been better to dive deeper into what he’s feeling, especially when he’s faced with the possibility of losing his baseball career. And when Laz gets shot, it was definitely unexpected. I think it could’ve been set up a little better, and we could’ve spent more time seeing how it impacted Laz. Instead of it getting thrown at us in the middle of a baseball game he was playing in. No he didn't get shot mid-game, he found out about what his brother was doing.

I’d recommend Golden Arm to people who like sports books, but also to anyone who’s dealt with pressure or is figuring out who they are when things don’t go as planned. It’s not just about baseball, it’s about how hard it is for people with the same dreams as us to try and make them come true. I’d give it 4 stars. It’s a good read, but it could’ve used a little more depth in some areas. It's for really baseball players, especially the ones who aren't as financially stable as others. Or it could also be for anyone who also comes from the same struggles.

[Teressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I am terrible at sports, I don't watch them, and I typically don't read that much about them. I've been trying to change that lately so I can give better recommendations to my kids who would rather play sports than read about them.

Carl Deukker's books are pretty solid in this genre, and this one is another win for sports fan. There's just enough baseball action to keep the sports fans engaged, but not too much, which would turn off someone like me. Laz's story kept me on the edge of my seat; it's compelling even without the sports. And while parts are somewhat generic and predictable, I found this to be an absorbing read, and I genuinely cared about Laz and his family. I would have liked him to be a little more dimensional (I felt he was a little too "good"), but, hey, it's YA, and it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. I also appreciated how the book examines ethical issues and themes related to classism, racism, school zoning, the affordable housing crisis, gentrification, loyalty to your family and community, sportsmanship, and the sort of seedy underbelly of teen/intramural sports. Certain aspects of this reminded by Play Their Hearts out (by George Dohrmann-sp?). I think this will be a homerun for baseball fans, but interesting enough to appeal to non sports fans, too (haha-see what I did there? )

Summary from Publisher:
Lazarus “Laz” Weathers has always been shy, and his issue with stuttering when he speaks hasn’t helped. Stuck in a Seattle trailer park, Laz finds baseball helps him escape from the world of poverty and drugs. When he gets an opportunity to pitch for the rich kids across town, he has a chance to get drafted by the major leagues.

But playing for the other team means leaving behind his family, including Antonio, Laz’s younger brother, who more and more, seems to be drawn to the dark world of the Jet City’s drug ring. Now Laz will have to choose between being the star pitcher he always dreamed of becoming and the team player his family needs.

Read an excerpt on the publishers page: https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/g...

Listen to the author read the first chapter in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/6i8a5_KW7Bo

Listen to the author explain the inspiration behind the book in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/LnuJE-0NcOY

[Sally Kruger]

Carl Deuker is the perfect author for teen readers who would rather play sports than read about them. His books feature enough play-by-play action to keep the attention of sports fans combined with just the right amount of human interaction for readers looking for more than just a story about sweaty athletes. GOLDEN ARM is Deuker's latest addition, and this reader hit it out of the park in two days.

Living in a rundown trailer park with his mother and half-brother means that the odds are against Laz Weathers. He's been playing baseball as long as he can remember, but recently he's been recognized for his excellent pitching, and now he has hopes of using his arm as a way to improve his future.

Going into his senior year at North Central, Laz learns the bad news that the school is dropping its baseball program. His chances of breaking into the professional baseball are dwindling quickly. Playing in a neighborhood summer league gets Laz into some games where his talent might get noticed, but major league scouts aren't likely to show up at some crappy city league game.

When Laz strikes out local hitting star Ian Thurman during one of the summer games, he gets his break. Ian's father invites Laz to join the Laurelhurst fall practice program. It's all above board since Laz's home school isn't offering a program this year. If all goes well in the fall practices, Laz might be invited to join the team at Laurelhurst.

Despite the fact that Laz's brother Antonio seems to be getting mixed up in a drug selling ring, and they are about to lose their home because a development company plans to demolish the trailer park, Laz's baseball career is revived. The Laurelhurst coach does want Laz's talent on his team when the season starts. Mr. Thurman offers Laz a place to stay in his home so going to Laurelhurst for his last semester and playing baseball for a team whose talent frequently draws big league scouts, means Laz's baseball dreams are still possible.

Now it's up to Laz to provide the discipline and dedication needed to seal the deal. Can he compete on a championship team? Will his family support his efforts? Or, will things fall apart just when they are about to go his way?

[Beau Dolan]

"Golden Arm" by Carl Deuker:

"Golden Arm" follows the story of Lazarus "Laz" Weathers, a high school senior with a passion for baseball. Laz lives in a trailer park in Seattle and has a challenging life, but he finds solace and purpose on the baseball field. The only problem is his school's baseball program is shutting down. His incredible pitching talent catches the eye of coaches from different teams. Since Laz pitched so well he got the opportunity to live with a host family at a different school, Laurelhurst High. This school is very talented and has a chance to make a playoff run. Laz had the difficult decision of being a star pitcher, or helping out his family.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was how he didn't let adversity slow him down. Laz's journey is marked by significant adversity. Growing up in an underprivileged environment, he faced many obstacles that threatened his dreams. Despite these challenges, Laz's determination shines through. He worked to improve his skills and prove himself on the baseball field, all while dealing with the realities of his personal life. His story shows the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams, no matter the situation.
Another thing I admire about this book is his selflessness. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Laz ultimately makes the difficult decision to give up his dreams of winning the state championship to save his brother's life. His brother Antonio got caught up in gang violence due to drugs, and Laz had to pay. This selfless act strengthens the deep bond he shares with his family and highlights the sacrifices he is willing to make for those he loves. Laz's story is not just about baseball; it's about loyalty, sacrifice, and the choices that define him.
I enjoyed this book because it was attention-grabbing while also being inspiring. I never thought I would say that I was upset when our teacher told us we were not going to read during class, but this book did that. The author mixed the perfect amount of emotion, as soon as it was going well something would go wrong, and I could truly never predict what would happen next. I recommend Golden Arm to anyone who would like to hear about someone's journeys and how they have overcome their challenges.

[Nick Wassmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golden Arm by Carl Dueker book review
The book is about a boy named Laz Weathers who is a pitcher living in Jet City, a trailer park in Seattle and once his trailer park is about to be destroyed he gets a chance to play with the rich kids and moves in with one. When he gets that chance he is able to get scouted because he is on a good team and the scouts keep reaching out until he really likes one and then the story gets better.
I really like how he would do something like the older spiderman movies when time stopped and he just started talking to himself and talking about what's going on. That happens a good bit through the story and I think it is a good touch to let the reader know what's happening from Laz's point of view.
My favorite character had to be Lazy because he had such a different childhood than mine and it was super cool to see him work through that and make it his dream. Just the way he made Laz speak and all the challenges he had to overcome/adapt too it was really cool and fun to read.
The characters felt very real and it kept making me picture what was going on in my head the whole time and it just seems like it was a lot of events that would happen in real life.
It always kept me guessing because at first I almost thought that Laz was gonna be like Antonio but then he moved to a rich school and kept getting better and better. He never went to what Antonio was doing and didn’t hangout with those types of people.
My favorite part had to have been when the first scout that Laz had encountered was there for Ian but went over to Laz at the end of the game, gave him his business card and told him to email his stats after every game. Laz went back to the house and was so excited that a scout looked in his direction.
The book made me laugh and happy for Laz.
It kept me turning the page hoping the outcome of the next page would be fun but it was almost like a cliffhanger.
I didn’t really like how it never showed anyone else's point of view/their life; it only stayed on Laz.
I would suggest it to 12-16-year-olds who like sports books. I would rate the book a 4 out of 5 stars

[Ben Ozog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, Do you like developing sports stories that make you want to work even harder?If so I highly recommend the story Golden Arm by Carl Deuker made april 7,2020.In this story there is a boy named Laz Weathers whose dream is to be noticed and get a chance later in baseball. He has grown up in a very poor area living in a trailer with no dad and just his mom and brother with her new boyfriend. He isn't very good at school and he has a stutter. But all of that being said he has a very strong arm and is a very good pitcher. He is in a small school that has a very weak baseball team and he won't be getting noticed from scouts there. In conclusion, the new principal at his high school has declared there will not be a baseball team next year and with this going on they are creating something where Laz lives so they have to leave the area. While this is happening Laz has been let get the opportunity to play at a high school college bound and live with a teammate and his family. Now Laz has a chance to win a state championship and prove how good he really is and get a chance in the big leauges. Do you think Laz will accomplish his biggest dream at the end? This story shows how you should never give up your dreams and if you work hard and try your hardest you will get a chance and when you do give it your all because Laz worked hard and tried his hardest all the time and got an opportunity to show what he has done. This story is like the blind side because Big mike was very big but had a very tragic life and got brought in by a rich football family and got the chance to show what he can do. Almost the exact same as Laz when he got brought in by a family to play at a better high school. I would recommend this to people that want inspiration to try their hardest or want motivation to never give up and work hard to get an opportunity. Age range really anywhere if you want motivation and want to read a great story.

[Andrew Kantola · Rating 4 out of 5]

My book is called Golden Arm by Carl Deuker. The main character is Lazarus, it takes place in a town in seattle. I found the book when I needed a book for this class and wanted a sports book because it is the most interesting thing that I want to read.
My book was about a kid named Lazarus who was poor and loved baseball and played pitcher on whatever team was available. He lives in a trailer park in Seattle after his season got canceled because of people on his team getting suspended he found his way to moving to a new school and living in a new house with the Thurmans. He got on to the new baseball team which was one of his last chances to be seen by a Major League team. They won their way Through the playoffs to the championship game but 5 minutes before the game started Lazarus had to leave because his brother was in a dangerous drug deal when they made it to the spot Antonio was beaten and almost dead then he got shot as the gang fled. Lazarus was mad to have missed the game his team lost and if he was there they probably would have won. When he went to school he was scared people were going to be mad but everyone was paying attention to Ian who was drafted in the first round. Lazarus thought he missed his chance but Ian told the MLB that Lazarus was the best pitcher that he faced so Lazarus got drafted into the MLB.
I think that the ending was okay I wish it had him in the MLB and playing there and not just making it. But other than that it was a good book. My favorite part was when he thought he was done but then got drafted into the MLB.
I thought that it was a good book but they should have made him get to play in the championship game and get drafted in the first round instead of making him walk out on his team. I think if you like baseball then it is a good book for you because it uses a lot of baseball language that you might not understand if you don’t know baseball.