SYNOPSIS

Laz is a junior in high school, an incredible pitcher, and is shy because of his stutter.

His younger brother and best friend, Antonio, becomes friendly with a “bad” crowd of young drug dealers.

When the family’s trailer park is closed down, Laz receives an offer to live with a wealthy family and attend private school where he can play on a competitive baseball team.

As Laz focuses on school and improving his pitching, Antonio grows more entangled with drug sales.

Laz is set to pitch a State championship game for his team – and possibly get recruited for a League team – when he learns his brother is in mortal danger. He leaves the game.

Both brothers survive gun injuries, and Laz becomes a (final) draft pick for a minor league baseball team.

PERFECT AGE 11 – 15

We love

• Everything about Laz – humble, thoughtful, reserved, caring, and almost too self-deprecating.
• A tough choice works out for the best (although that doesn’t always work out in the real world…).
• The transformation in Antonio’s dad toward Laz, and the positive impact he has on Laz’s budding career.

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• The theme of drug dealing among youth demonstrates all potential dangers and results in the ultimate crisis – someone almost loses his life to a gun shot. A good opportunity to discuss a real-world issue.
• Not too sensitive but of interest to sports aficionados – the “sensitive “hot” topic of “pay for play” makes an appearance.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Why do you think the author created the character of Ian? What similarities and contrasts between him and Laz can you draw?
• What could be some reasons why Laz doesn’t tell his mom about his stepdad’s hints at Laz’s needing to leave home soon?
• If you were Laz on the mound and got the call about Antonio, what choice would you have made? Why?