The Trading Game

by Alfred Slote

Andy Harris's fabulous baseball card collection, left to him by his father, is the envy of every baseball fan in town. Still, Andy would rather play ball than collect cards. He's got a natural talent for the game, like his grandfather, pro ball player Jim Harris. And Jim Harris, Ace 459, is the one card Andy would give anything to own - he'd even trade his priceless 1952 Mickey Mantle card. Then Grampa comes to town for a visit and offers to coach Andy's ragtag team. For the first time, Andy and his friends really look good, really feel like a team. But Grampa's rules for playing the game contradict everything Andy believes about friendship and good sportsmanship. And Andy begins to wonder if Ace 459 is such a hero, after all.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

About the author

Alfred Slote (born September 11, 1926) is a children's author known for his numerous sports and space novels. His writing has been described as "making space travel seem as ordinary as piling in the family wagon for a jaunt to McDonald's". Slote's 1991 novel Finding Buck McHenry was adapted into a 2000 television film. He currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Reviews

[kevinn Yi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about serious baseball. The main character Andy not only loves the game, but also to collect cards. He trades with the biggest collector in town, Tubby. Tubby has one card that Andy wants more than anything, his ace 259, which is his grandpa's card. His grandpa was an ex major leager and he wants the card more than anything. In the stat book, it says the value is only 25 cents, but still, andy wants it. Andy has abunch of baseball cards which used to be his dad's collection. It was passed down to him. There is only one card that tubby will trade the ace 259 for. The mickey mantle that andy has. The 2500 dollar card. Andy wants his grandpa's card so badly that he's willing to trade 2500 dollar mickey mantle for 25 cent ace 259. This causes lots of controversy after alice, tubby's and andy's friend, finds out about the trade that almost happened. In the end, Andy gets the card and all is happy. But the thing is, his grandpa is called to coach his baseball team. Right after everything settles down. Andy decides that the trading game is not the only game that exists and andy realiezes that he must either give everything up, or play by his grandpa's game. He chooses a decision that will change his life forever. This is a must read for any baseball fan. It is a terrific book.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

TEN LORDS A LEAPING was a fun, quick and heartfelt read that combined the fever of sexual awareness with building tension. Mixed in an interlude of heartache, indecision and misunderstanding. Before, satisfyingly rounding it all off with wit, levity and joy as it underscored the ideal that love, if given the chance, can empower a couple to conquer the many problems, insecurities and uncertainties life can throw their way.
Recapping in greater detail, from our first encounter in book 1, the idyllic romance between the affianced, besotted, Caroline and, the all encompassing focus of her adoration, Stuart, is progressing smoothly until it appears to hit a snag. Leaving us with the feeling that all may not be well in paradise. You could almost see the ominious storm clouds rolling in after the tragic death of Stuart's Great Uncle. But, can their love survive its first test? I did enjoy finding out.
I'll admit I began this novella already tainted having seen events cast from Caroline's sister's, Jemima's, perspective, so I assumed I'd find it hard to warm to Caroline's sunshine and roses outlook. However, I must say, that was delightfully not the case. She quickly won me over, proving she had more substance and depth to her character as I even found myself becoming irritated by Jemima's negativity on her behalf. Definitely allowing me to come away with a greater understanding and appreciation for the Fitzroy sibling dynamics, them as a loving chaotic family unit and with an ever growing respect and immense love for Arthur, their father.
Especially, as tragedy seeded a shocking revelation, created animosity and irrevocably altered the shape of Caroline and Stuart's future in one fell swoop. Forcing Caroline to ultimately fight for her desires as she pitches her future happiness against the daunting duties and responsibilities of an Earldom and the thousands it protects.
Overall, despite, a few minor inconsistencies, I really enjoyed Caroline and Stuart's tale. It had heart, passion and a smooth liveliness to its flow that really made the intimate moments sing! With many a festive touch, in the later half, to add an extra dose of warmth, charm and Christmas cheer. A great addition to the series; looking forward to the next!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to this holiday series. It was fun to read what was actually going on simultaneously, behind the scenes, in Eleven. Caroline and Stewart were each dealing with existing family drama while throwing in astonishing new drama and top it off with a disapproving mother. Made for an interesting adventure!
Thank you Emily EK Murdoch, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

[kitten raccoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, as a card collector myself it was such a fun read. I'm not a huge fan of the ending but still overall a good book. I enjoyed the card aspect as well as the baseball aspect. I enjoy all the characters. A very enjoyable time if you're a collector or a sports fan

[Lindsey Fleck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Owen and I read this book together and it wasn't that great. I thought he would enjoy it because he loved the Buck McHenry book, but this got a bit complicated with divorce, sickness, and details in stats of players that Owen doesn't understand, so it was difficult for him to get into.

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

not the best book ive ever read. although it is a good book for baseball fans

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this when I was ten... now I only sort of like it.

[Cws]

JEAR3-Slo

[Joey Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Fiction

Quarter: 3

[Ryan Lederer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book

[Seth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and good read for children.

[Hillvan]

520L