Cal Ripken, Jr.'s All-Stars
Connor Sullivan is a talented player for his Babe Ruth League baseball team. His athletic prowess, though, is offset by his explosive temper, which earns him suspensions and the enmity of his teammates. He also finds himself the subject of critical articles by a student reporter, Melissa Morrow. At home, Connor�s father is out of work, the bills are mounting, and his parents do not have a lot of patience for Connor�s behavior. By the book�s close, though, Connor learns to keep his cool, helps lead his team to victory, and even finds that he is attracted to Melissa. The clich�s are abundant in this sports novel: Act like you own the batter�s box. This is your office. Go to work. Yet Hall of Famer Ripken and veteran sports writer Cowherd manage to convey honest emotions, particularly Connor�s frustrations when he is unable to maintain his self-control. Fans of standard sports novels will enjoy this. Grades 5-8. --Todd Morning--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.