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Chapter Two: The Magic in Baseball
Being ten years old and trying out for the Great Kills Little League proves to be a nightmare for Jake. He is faced with the antagonists Josh and Alex and a living room wall, where his dad's baseball trophies are proudly displayed. Back at home, in the secure environment of his apartment building, lives an elderly magician friend. When Mr. Flynn and Jake embark on a journey of kindred spirits, a chain of events takes place that not only bond the two forever, but also changes everything for Jake. Was the book that Mr. Flynn gave to Jake really about magic, or was it magic and more? Chapter Two: The Magic in Baseball brings generations together through mutual respect and trust. The reader will connect with Jake and feel his sense of pride at accomplishing his goals by means of hard work and determination. Readers will discover that life, like magic, takes surprising turns. Chapter Two demonstrates how a positive attitude and sense of humor can prepare a person for the unexpected.
126 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2009
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April 11, 2012
Jake’s prowess at baseball can be described in two words: he sucks. This is especially true when he is put on the spot at tryouts where the two best players in the school, Josh and Alex, are watching and laughing their heads off. After a wretched performance at the baseball diamond, he encounters his neighbor, Mr. Flynn, an eighty-three year old magician who has been pulling quarters out of Jake’s ears for as long as Jake can remember.
Now there is something Jake would love to learn—magic tricks. He entreats Mr. Flynn to teach him. Nothing would please Mr. Flynn more, but he warns Jake that learning magic, like anything he wants to achieve, takes work and patience. As Jake takes up the challenge, studying and practicing night and day over spring break, he learns a valuable lesson: the art of magic also applies to baseball.
The book is an easy read that, while dealing with some difficult issues facing a ten-year-old, is light of heart. Jake is a smart kid whose quick sense of humor keeps his parents on their toes and works as a good subterfuge to deflect them from thoughts that he would just as soon keep private. Underneath that jocular façade is a real character with spirit, determination, and compassion. Towards the end, the book gets just a little bit silly, but is a fun read. I recommend it for lower middle grade readers (ages 8-10).
Now there is something Jake would love to learn—magic tricks. He entreats Mr. Flynn to teach him. Nothing would please Mr. Flynn more, but he warns Jake that learning magic, like anything he wants to achieve, takes work and patience. As Jake takes up the challenge, studying and practicing night and day over spring break, he learns a valuable lesson: the art of magic also applies to baseball.
The book is an easy read that, while dealing with some difficult issues facing a ten-year-old, is light of heart. Jake is a smart kid whose quick sense of humor keeps his parents on their toes and works as a good subterfuge to deflect them from thoughts that he would just as soon keep private. Underneath that jocular façade is a real character with spirit, determination, and compassion. Towards the end, the book gets just a little bit silly, but is a fun read. I recommend it for lower middle grade readers (ages 8-10).
Displaying 1 of 1 review