The Right Call

Gr 6 Up–Cal Klondike is only 15, but his pitching talent in the local youth baseball league has everyone talking. Fans, his coach, and even college and professional scouts are amazed at how fast he can throw the ball over the plate. Cal once played multiple sports, but with the encouragement of his family and coach he begins attending a high school baseball academy and makes baseball his exclusive sport. As his strikeout numbers continue to mount, so does the pressure. Cal’s father becomes obsessed with his son’s future career and starts to challenge the calls at home plate. Things worsen when an umpire suffers a serious head injury during an altercation with his father after a game, devastating Cal and making him rethink his relationship with the sport. The story is cleverly told with audio transcripts of conversations, text messages, and news stories written by a student reporter. Important themes, such as forgiveness and second chances, bring the story to a satisfying conclusion. Most importantly, young readers will learn that even a “right call” doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome down the road. Sports enthusiasts, especially baseball players, will enjoy the characters and perhaps identify with the pressure to succeed outside the classroom. Parents, teachers, and coaches will appreciate the subtle reminders that young athletes should develop their skills slowly to avoid serious injuries.