
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the uncertainty of a new family structure, like foster care, or is worried about a caregiver's changing moods. This story centers on thirteen-year-old David, who has found a stable, happy home with his foster father, Paul. His life revolves around his Pony League baseball team, a source of friendship and consistency. When Paul suddenly becomes withdrawn and moody, David’s fear of being sent away resurfaces, threatening his newfound security. The book thoughtfully explores a child's anxiety and deep need for belonging, set against the familiar backdrop of competitive team sports. It's an excellent choice for showing that adult problems are not a child's fault and that family is built on more than just circumstance.
The book deals directly with the core anxieties of the foster care system, particularly the fear of abandonment. It also addresses a secondary character's serious illness (cancer) and its emotional impact on a caregiver. The approach is secular and realistic. The resolution is hopeful but not simplistic: David and Paul reaffirm their bond and commit to facing challenges together, but the external problems are not magically solved.
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Sign in to write a reviewA sensitive 10 to 14-year-old in a foster, kinship, or adoptive situation who struggles with feelings of impermanence. It is also excellent for any child who worries about a caregiver's emotional withdrawal or a family member's illness and may be internalizing blame. Young athletes who use sports as an emotional outlet will connect strongly.
The emotional conflict stems from an adult's past romantic relationship and a character's battle with cancer. Parents should be ready to discuss why adults sometimes get sad for reasons that have nothing to do with their children. The book can be read cold, but having context for these themes is helpful. A parent notices their child (particularly one in a non-traditional family setting) becoming withdrawn or anxious after a change in the caregiver's mood or routine. The child might repeatedly ask, "Are you mad at me?" or express fears about the family's future.
A younger reader (10-11) will connect with the baseball story and the primary fear: "Is Paul going to make me leave?" An older reader (12-14) will better appreciate the nuanced themes of adult grief, loyalty, and the realization that loving family members support each other through difficult emotional times.
Unlike many foster care books that focus on entering a new home, this story uniquely explores the fear of losing a home that has become safe and loved. The parallel narrative of the baseball team serves as a powerful and accessible metaphor for family teamwork, struggle, and support. It also features a positive portrayal of a single foster father, a less common representation in middle-grade fiction.
Thirteen-year-old David is thriving in a stable foster home with Paul, a single man he has grown to love as a father. Baseball is David's anchor, providing friendship and a sense of belonging. His world is shaken when Paul becomes increasingly withdrawn and moody. Haunted by past placements, David fears Paul is going to send him away. The source of the tension is revealed to be the return of Paul's seriously ill ex-girlfriend, forcing Paul to confront unresolved feelings. The story tracks David's emotional turmoil as he navigates the complexities of adult emotions, all while dealing with the pressures of his baseball season.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.