
Reach for this book if your child is struggling with frequent moves, feeling like the 'eternal new kid,' or grappling with the weight of family secrets. It is a perfect fit for middle-grade readers who feel their lives are constantly being uprooted by decisions outside of their control. The story follows Brock, a talented baseball player whose father forces the family to move every time they finally get settled. While the surface is a fast-paced sports story, the heart of the book explores the anxiety of never belonging and the complicated nature of trusting a parent who is hiding the truth. It is an excellent choice for kids aged 8 to 12 who need to see their own resilience reflected in a character who manages to build a life, even when the foundation is shaky.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe father lies to his son for what he believes is his safety, creating a complex trust dynamic.
The book deals with parental deception and the concept of living under an alias. The approach is realistic and suspenseful rather than metaphorical. While the father's actions are motivated by protection, the emotional fallout for the child is handled with gravity. The resolution is realistic: it offers safety but acknowledges the permanent loss of the life Brock once knew.
A 10-year-old sports fan who is experiencing their first major move or a child who feels a disconnect between the 'public' face of their family and the 'private' reality at home. It’s for the kid who uses sports as an emotional anchor.
Parents should be aware that the book involves themes of hiding from the law (though the father is not a 'villain' in the traditional sense). It's helpful to read the final third together to discuss the difference between keeping secrets and staying safe. A parent might see their child withdrawing from new social opportunities or expressing deep anger about a recent relocation or a change in family dynamics.
Younger readers will focus on the baseball action and the 'spy' elements of the move. Older readers (11-12) will pick up on the emotional betrayal Brock feels toward his father and the ethical ambiguity of the father's choices.
Unlike most 'new kid' books that focus on social awkwardness, this adds a layer of genuine mystery and peril, making the emotional stakes feel much higher than just making the team.
Twelve-year-old Brock is a gifted baseball player who is tired of his father's 'itchy feet.' Just as he finds a home, a best friend, and a spot on a winning team, his father insists they move again. This time, the move feels different. As Brock tries to establish himself in a new town and on a new team, he begins to realize that his father isn't just moving for work: he is running from something. The story follows Brock as he balances the pressure of being the new kid on the mound with the mounting evidence that his family is living a lie.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.