Change Up (The Contract #3)

Jeter follows The Contract and Hit & Miss with a third baseball book based on his own childhood, using straightforward storytelling to explore another one of his "10 Life Lessons" (in this case, "Deal with Growing Pains"). Derek, now 10, can't wait for this year's Little League season; his father has finally agreed to coach him and his two best friends will be his teammates. But when Gary, Derek's nemesis from school, shows up on the same team determined to prove that sports are "a complete waste of time," Derek sees his championship dreams vanishing. Insult is added to injury when Derek's father ignores Gary's antics and bad attitude while penalizing Derek for not being a better teammate. Derek's "do the right thing" can be grating, and the overall focus on teaching readers a principle to live by feels preachy. Jeter is at his best when he focuses on baseball action, the camaraderie of kids who live and breathe to play the game, and the magic of being part of a team. In that regard, loyal readers of this series will not be disappointed. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)