Assessment:
Plot: Four friends prepare to say goodbye to elementary school while grappling with family troubles and competing in their first baseball championship. A tender, relatable middle grade story with particular appeal for reluctant readers,
Prose: Freeborn writes clearly, evenly, and effectively captures the youthful voices of the protagonists as they navigate small conflicts, confront self-doubt, and face fears about their families and the future.
Originality: While Freeborn's quiet story doesn't offer a great deal of originality, this novel will strongly appeal to sensitive boy readers who love baseball and value their close friendships.
Character/Execution: Though the voices of the protagonists are not always starkly differentiated, readers will have no trouble following each character's individual concerns and trials.
Date Submitted: August 25, 2020
