Soar

“Jeremiah’s voice is perfect: plucky, vulnerable, pragmatic, smart, and immensely endearing. Bauer masterfully manages the various plotlines . . . An outstanding, tender exploration of courage and the true nature of heroism and, for good measure, a fine homage to America’s game, as well”

Kirkus, starred review

“Bauer’s latest feel-good novel is distinguished by a largehearted warmth, its able characterizations, a page-turning plot, and winning humor”

Booklist, starred review

“Joan Bauer is a superb author who knows how to get readers to care about her characters . . . This book is perfect for middle school students and would make a great read-aloud”

School Library Connection, starred review

“Sports, friendship, tragedy, and a love connection are all wrapped up in one heartwarming, page-turning story . . . This coming-of-age tale features a boy who is courageous and witty; readers—baseball fans or otherwise—will cheer on Jeremiah and this team. The latest middle grade novel from this award-winning author is triumphant and moving”

School Library Journal

“Jeremiah’s enthusiasm for baseball is infectious, and he plays a major role in rebuilding and coaching a team at the middle school while lifting the sagging spirits of community members . . . Readers will feel that Jeremiah’s victories are well earned and deserved”

Publishers Weekly

“This is not the predictable baseball-as-metaphor-for-life offering it seems but rather a character study in resilience and a tender evocation of a father-son relationship. ‘Tender,’ however, is not code for ‘slow’ or ‘dull'; Jeremiah is a wry and witty narrator, and his take-charge (but sensible) approach to life impels the story along at a brisk clip”

BCCB