Bound To Stay Bound

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Booklist - 09/01/2014 In the debut novel from Jeter’s post-retirement venture, the Jeter Publishing middle-grade series, third-grader Derek dreams of a career playing shortstop for the New York Yankees. His parents even have him sign a contract—the first of many—stipulating expectations for his schoolwork, good sportsmanship, self-respect, and so on, with rewards if he succeeds. No multimillion-dollar contracts just yet! He will have to settle for dinner at his favorite restaurant. But when his grades start to suffer and he ends up stuck at second base on a losing Little League team, Derek begins to doubt if his dream will ever become a reality. At times, Derek’s rosy homelife and relentless positivity can be a little grating, especially considering the autobiographical nature of the book. Still, the ball game scenes are particularly well done. Jeter is adept at adding nuance to team dynamics; for example, the coach’s son continually receives undeserved accolades. With an automatic audience for this book, libraries would be hard-pressed not to have a copy on the shelf. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 09/01/2014 Gr 4–8—This first book in Jeter's middle grade baseball series offers an inspirational, fictionalized account of Derek's third grade year when his dream of a baseball career meets the realities of schoolwork and Little League competition. To help Derek achieve his career dream (playing shortstop for the New York Yankees), his parents draw up a "contract" of positive expectations, values, and rewards that the boy signs. Selected to play on Kalamazoo's Little League Tigers, Derek is disappointed when the coach's son is given the shortstop position. Derek's parents and the contract help him channel his frustration into team play, hard work, and excellence as a second baseman. When his math grades dip, he recognizes the need to improve and gets extra help. Derek's determination, positive attitude toward others, and exceptional athletic talent ensure his success. His parents are a remarkable reservoir of wisdom, guidance, and support: defending his baseball dream to a doubtful teacher, suggesting a positive spin on racial slurs directed at their biracial son; and, arranging Derek's reward of seeing a Yankees game. Factual biographical information and real relationships are smoothly blended with fiction. Engaging descriptions of young Derek's aspirations and vulnerability, vivid Little League baseball action, and realistic peer and coach conflicts will resonate with middle grade fans. This purposeful, celebrity-authored book focuses on the first of Jeter's 10 Life Lessons, "set your goals high."—Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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