Pinch Hit

Tim Green's Pinch Hit is told from two perspectives in alternating short chapters that leave the reader anxiously turning the page to find out what happens next. Trevor is a rich actor that has been given every opportunity in life except the chance to play baseball on an organized team. Sam, the son of a loving single father, is a star baseball player hoping to win a place at USC's Elite Training Center. Both boys knew they were adopted. When they meet by chance, they realize that they are twins. Trevor convinces Sam to switch places with him so he can have the chance to play baseball like a normal teenager. Both boys learn things about themselves in the different households as things begin to unravel. The storyline reminded me of Parent Trap - both boys and girls will love this one. Other great books by Tim Green include Unstoppable, Deep Zone, Best of the Best, The Big Time, Rivals, Football Champ, Baseball Great, Football Hero, and Football Genius.

Baseball Great

Josh is excited about playing baseball for his school. The school reporter, Jaden, has built a lot of hype about his baseball skills in an article she wrote for the school newspaper. Unfortunately, his father, a former minor league player, yanks him off the team during the first practice. Josh’s father signs him up to try out for the Titans, a team made up of older, stronger guys who worry each and every day that they could easily be replaced by someone better. The Titans are coached by a businessman named Rocky Valentine who believes that the boys must take supplements, lift weights, and work harder than ever to be successful. The pressure of being the best causes boys on the team to make harmful decisions. When Josh and Jaden put two and two together, they have a difficult decision to make – one that can cost them everything. I was encouraged to read Tim Green’s Baseball Great by one of my seventh grade students. Reluctant readers will like the suspenseful storyline and brief chapters. Other great books by Tim Green include Football Genius, Football Hero, Football Champ, Rivals, and Deep Zone. Click on the video below to hear the author explain how both sports and writing require hard work and dedication.