Skinnybones

Alex Frankovitch is a sixth grader with a big mouth and a small frame. He is the smallest player on his Little League team and close to the worst, and he covers for it with jokes, wisecracks and a lot of bragging. When his bragging lands him in a pitching contest against T.J. Stoner, the best ballplayer in the whole school, Alex has to figure out how to survive the challenge without being humiliated in front of everyone. Narrated by Alex in a fast, wisecracking voice, this short and very funny baseball story is about pride, embarrassment and learning to laugh at one's own mistakes. It is a natural pick for readers about eight to twelve, especially reluctant readers and sports fans.