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Fred Bowen Sports Story Series
Perfect Game
Isaac is determined to pitch a perfect no hits, no runs, no walks, and no errors.
He can't settle for less if he wants to make the summer all-star team. But when he allows a hit, Isaac keeps losing his cool on the mound and can't get his head back in the game.
Then Issac meets a very interesting Unified Sports basketball player who gets him thinking in a different way about the whole idea of a "perfect" game. But will this change in perspective help him be a better pitcher?
Themes of kindness, friendship, perfection, and ability star in this inspiring installment of Fred Bowen's Sports Story Series. The afterword provides interesting facts about the Special Olympics.
He can't settle for less if he wants to make the summer all-star team. But when he allows a hit, Isaac keeps losing his cool on the mound and can't get his head back in the game.
Then Issac meets a very interesting Unified Sports basketball player who gets him thinking in a different way about the whole idea of a "perfect" game. But will this change in perspective help him be a better pitcher?
Themes of kindness, friendship, perfection, and ability star in this inspiring installment of Fred Bowen's Sports Story Series. The afterword provides interesting facts about the Special Olympics.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Fred Bowen
60 books26 followersFred Bowen is the author of Peachtree’s popular Fred Bowen Sports Story and All-Star Sport Story series. A lifelong sports fanatic, he has coached youth league baseball, basketball, and soccer. His kids’ sports column “The Score” appears each week in the KidsPost section of the Washington Post. Bowen lives in Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 31, 2014
Have you ever tried to do a perfect game but that one friend messes up on accident? Well if you have this is the book to read. The type of fiction of this story is realistic fiction. In my opinion I thought this was a really good book because it talks about the lesson that you can learn and teach in sports.
This story takes place in a baseball field. Isaac is a really good pitcher he has a awesome fastball and a sneaky change-up. When he pitches he tries not to allow any runs, errors, walks, and no hits. If someone makes a mistake he starts missing his pitches and can't get his head back in the game. Isaac learns about a Special Olympian Unified sports team and meets a interesting athlete who shows him a new way to think about being perfect. The type of conflictin this story is person vs himself because when he pitches he gets mad when someone else makes a mistake and ruins his chances of having a perfect game.
I wish that Isaac would have done a perfect game with no hits, walks, runs, and errors. I understood why Isaac felt upset when he didn't have a perfect game due to a error. When an error was made by Jackson, you can feel Isaacs frustration. His frustration led to pitching a bad game and coach Park had to take him out and put another pitcher in.As he walked away from the pitching mound he knew that him being upset made his pitching worse and made him feel disappointed.
Isaacs main problem was that he had to realize that "perfection" had a different meaning when he was working with a certain group of kids playing basketball. The author's purpose for the coach to send Isaac to help out the disabled kids in basketball was so that he could appreciate how it's not all about perfection. What perfection meant to Isaac in baseball was completely different when he was with the kids playing basketball.
I would recommend this book to one of my friends that's on my baseball team because when people make a mistake when he is pitching he gets really mad and can't pitch anymore sorta like Isaac. Honestly, this book is a good read for anybody that plays sports, is in clubs, or volunteers with different kid organization. When you read this book you will not just be thinking about just not to have a perfect game because the word perfect means so many different things that you appreciate the lessons that are taught and can relate to it as well.
This story takes place in a baseball field. Isaac is a really good pitcher he has a awesome fastball and a sneaky change-up. When he pitches he tries not to allow any runs, errors, walks, and no hits. If someone makes a mistake he starts missing his pitches and can't get his head back in the game. Isaac learns about a Special Olympian Unified sports team and meets a interesting athlete who shows him a new way to think about being perfect. The type of conflictin this story is person vs himself because when he pitches he gets mad when someone else makes a mistake and ruins his chances of having a perfect game.
I wish that Isaac would have done a perfect game with no hits, walks, runs, and errors. I understood why Isaac felt upset when he didn't have a perfect game due to a error. When an error was made by Jackson, you can feel Isaacs frustration. His frustration led to pitching a bad game and coach Park had to take him out and put another pitcher in.As he walked away from the pitching mound he knew that him being upset made his pitching worse and made him feel disappointed.
Isaacs main problem was that he had to realize that "perfection" had a different meaning when he was working with a certain group of kids playing basketball. The author's purpose for the coach to send Isaac to help out the disabled kids in basketball was so that he could appreciate how it's not all about perfection. What perfection meant to Isaac in baseball was completely different when he was with the kids playing basketball.
I would recommend this book to one of my friends that's on my baseball team because when people make a mistake when he is pitching he gets really mad and can't pitch anymore sorta like Isaac. Honestly, this book is a good read for anybody that plays sports, is in clubs, or volunteers with different kid organization. When you read this book you will not just be thinking about just not to have a perfect game because the word perfect means so many different things that you appreciate the lessons that are taught and can relate to it as well.
July 31, 2014
I thought this would be like a Matt Christopher novel but this was so much better. I didn't know about the Special Olympics Unified Sports program. Great added layer to the story.
November 12, 2017
Isaac is his team's pitcher. When his coach gets him to help out with a tea he coaches on the weekend he doesn't know what he's in for. But soon he forms a special bond with Kevin, a boy who has difficulty connecting with others.
This is a great story about expanding your boundaries and accepting others for who they are. I especially liked that this novel is a great introduction into making friends with children who have various disabilities. Compassionate and fun, with lots of sports. It's a great story for both boys and girls between 7-12 years of age.
This is a great story about expanding your boundaries and accepting others for who they are. I especially liked that this novel is a great introduction into making friends with children who have various disabilities. Compassionate and fun, with lots of sports. It's a great story for both boys and girls between 7-12 years of age.
December 14, 2017
3.5 stars, but I rounded it up because I liked the message. My first grader chose this for me to read to him at bedtime. Although my kids love sports books, I have to confess I haven't read very many.
October 31, 2017
I think it was a great book but the ending got wacky. I do recommend this book to anyone into Baseball or sports in general!
September 12, 2020
My sons review:
He likes the story but wanted to know more about the thunder bolts and wish it had gone on to summer and bowling.
He likes the story but wanted to know more about the thunder bolts and wish it had gone on to summer and bowling.
June 24, 2019
Isaac’s biggest desire is to pitch a perfect game, but in the process learns the true meaning of perfect. His coach also has a basketball team of kids with disabilities, who have different balls and baskets they use. While Isaac helps coach, he also helps a kid who used to stand in the corner overcome his fear of crowds, and he is also very talented. Read Perfect Game to learn more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2013
Cover Gushing Worthiness: I think the cover of Perfect Game is perfect for the book, consider that it is a sports book. It’s also a good attention grabber, especially for boys interested in reading it.
Review Ever since reading Second Impact I've been on the lookout for more books focusing on sports- specifically the culture, the attitudes, the people etc. I also wanted to explore sports culture at a younger age.
This is my first experience reading Fred Bowen’s work and after reading Perfect Game I’ll gladly go back and read his previous books which focus on a variety of different sports. I can’t believe I hadn't discovered his books sooner!
Isaac is a pitcher for the Giants Baseball team and he is determined to pitch the perfect game. He also wants to play for the Thunderbolts- a summer Baseball team made up of all star players in the division. As Isaac plans to pitch the perfect game, he starts to lose control. Seeing Isaac lose his temper during one of the games, Coach Park decides to recruit Isaac to help out with the Unified Sports Team he coaches on weekends.
I enjoyed the story of Perfect Game a lot and I think it was a good portrayal of pressure kids put on themselves as well as parental expectations when it comes to succeeding in sports. I liked that the book focused on intellectually challenged kids playing sports- I don’t know if a lot of literature focuses Unified Sports/Special Olympics so it was nice to discover a book that did so. Another aspect I enjoyed was the focus on language- specifically the use of the word ‘retard.’ When I worked at university as an undergraduate student one of the things we discussed during our training was the use of language and what’s appropriate. So I was happy this book addressed an issue I feel strongly about.
I didn't have any issues with the pacing of this book since it is geared towards a younger audience. As expected the story moved forward smoothly and it had a good ending. As I read the book it became quite clear that Fred Bowen is indeed a sports fanatic!I liked that he gave extensive details about Baseball scores, players and the plays. I can’t say that I completely understood the logistics of Baseball, but I appreciated the fact that Bowen included so much detail.
As far as characters go I thought Isaac was a likable character. In the beginning he displays a really competitive streak and you get the feeling that he really isn't a team player because he’s so focused on pitching the perfect game. However you do realize that his competitiveness is driven by his father who wants Isaac to be the perfect pitcher. As the book progresses you do see Isaac grow as a character. I liked Kevin, a kid on the Unified Sports Team Isaac helps out with. I enjoyed reading about their budding friendship. I think Isaac’s friendship with Kevin was what allowed him to grow as a character.
The secondary characters were all likable, except Isaac’s dad. There isn't a lot of focus given to them, but they all do add to the story in some way. In the beginning I had a difficult time liking Isaac’s dad because he put so much pressure on Isaac. Half the time I kept on thinking ‘chill out dad, he’s just a kid. He’s got a long way to go before he thinks about Major League Baseball.” However I was really proud of Isaac when he sort of stands up to his dad. This is the conversation they had at the Thunderbolts tryouts.
Overall Perfect Game was a fun read. I won’t claim to be an expert on Baseball, but I liked learning about the Sport and I definitely liked learning about Unified Sports. There’s a section in the book which introduces the reader to Special Olympics which is a good addition to the book.
My Rating: 4/5
Would I recommend it? Yes
Perfect Game is published by Peachtree Publishers. This copy was provided by Netgalley. Thank You Netgalley for this finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review Ever since reading Second Impact I've been on the lookout for more books focusing on sports- specifically the culture, the attitudes, the people etc. I also wanted to explore sports culture at a younger age.
This is my first experience reading Fred Bowen’s work and after reading Perfect Game I’ll gladly go back and read his previous books which focus on a variety of different sports. I can’t believe I hadn't discovered his books sooner!
Isaac is a pitcher for the Giants Baseball team and he is determined to pitch the perfect game. He also wants to play for the Thunderbolts- a summer Baseball team made up of all star players in the division. As Isaac plans to pitch the perfect game, he starts to lose control. Seeing Isaac lose his temper during one of the games, Coach Park decides to recruit Isaac to help out with the Unified Sports Team he coaches on weekends.
I enjoyed the story of Perfect Game a lot and I think it was a good portrayal of pressure kids put on themselves as well as parental expectations when it comes to succeeding in sports. I liked that the book focused on intellectually challenged kids playing sports- I don’t know if a lot of literature focuses Unified Sports/Special Olympics so it was nice to discover a book that did so. Another aspect I enjoyed was the focus on language- specifically the use of the word ‘retard.’ When I worked at university as an undergraduate student one of the things we discussed during our training was the use of language and what’s appropriate. So I was happy this book addressed an issue I feel strongly about.
I didn't have any issues with the pacing of this book since it is geared towards a younger audience. As expected the story moved forward smoothly and it had a good ending. As I read the book it became quite clear that Fred Bowen is indeed a sports fanatic!I liked that he gave extensive details about Baseball scores, players and the plays. I can’t say that I completely understood the logistics of Baseball, but I appreciated the fact that Bowen included so much detail.
As far as characters go I thought Isaac was a likable character. In the beginning he displays a really competitive streak and you get the feeling that he really isn't a team player because he’s so focused on pitching the perfect game. However you do realize that his competitiveness is driven by his father who wants Isaac to be the perfect pitcher. As the book progresses you do see Isaac grow as a character. I liked Kevin, a kid on the Unified Sports Team Isaac helps out with. I enjoyed reading about their budding friendship. I think Isaac’s friendship with Kevin was what allowed him to grow as a character.
The secondary characters were all likable, except Isaac’s dad. There isn't a lot of focus given to them, but they all do add to the story in some way. In the beginning I had a difficult time liking Isaac’s dad because he put so much pressure on Isaac. Half the time I kept on thinking ‘chill out dad, he’s just a kid. He’s got a long way to go before he thinks about Major League Baseball.” However I was really proud of Isaac when he sort of stands up to his dad. This is the conversation they had at the Thunderbolts tryouts.
Great Job! You weren’t perfect , but-
Dad. I did the best I could in a tough situation. That’s perfect enough. I mean I’m happy with my performance.
Overall Perfect Game was a fun read. I won’t claim to be an expert on Baseball, but I liked learning about the Sport and I definitely liked learning about Unified Sports. There’s a section in the book which introduces the reader to Special Olympics which is a good addition to the book.
My Rating: 4/5
Would I recommend it? Yes
Perfect Game is published by Peachtree Publishers. This copy was provided by Netgalley. Thank You Netgalley for this finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2015
Perfect Game was a surprise for me. I will admit right from the beginning that I am NOT a huge baseball fan so I was sort of dreading reading this Lovelace nominee. Perfect Game is, certainly about baseball, but it is more than that as well. In the tradition of the best sports-themed stories Perfect Game uses the central theme of baseball to help young readers see the best qualities in themselves and what they can aspire to be.
Isaac is a middle-grade student who is also a talented pitcher for his baseball team. As Perfect Game begins we see Isaac preoccupied with the details of pitching a "perfect game." For a pitcher in Little League Baseball a "perfect game" is 18 strikeouts in a row--no batter ever makes it to a base. Isaac thinks about his 'perfect game' possibility almost constantly. When, in the midst of a game that is going well, circumstances intervene to derail his "perfect game," Isaac loses his cool. He becomes angry and behaves in a hurtful way toward his teammates.
After trying to give Isaac some advice about trying to change his perspective during a game without seeing any results Isaac's coach invites him to come and help with a Special Olympics Unified Sports Team on the weekend. A Special Olympics Unified Sports Team pairs abled and disabled athletes as they play a variety of sports. When Isaac arrives for his first Sunday helping with basketball he meets Kevin--a Special Olympics athlete. Although he is initially a little shocked by Kevin's behavior--because it is different from how he, himself, would behave, Isaac comes to see in Kevin that courage and "perfection" might actually look different than he has always imagined them.
Perfect Game could be a great read-aloud in the right classroom. It's a dynamite bedtime read-aloud together or independently for a young reader who enjoys sports--particularly baseball. The language and plot structure are easily read by advanced 2nd through 4th & 5th grade readers. The concepts of 'perfection' and 'winning' are examined in an age-appropriate and age-effective manner by a writer with considerable skill in characterization and believable dialogue.
Isaac is a middle-grade student who is also a talented pitcher for his baseball team. As Perfect Game begins we see Isaac preoccupied with the details of pitching a "perfect game." For a pitcher in Little League Baseball a "perfect game" is 18 strikeouts in a row--no batter ever makes it to a base. Isaac thinks about his 'perfect game' possibility almost constantly. When, in the midst of a game that is going well, circumstances intervene to derail his "perfect game," Isaac loses his cool. He becomes angry and behaves in a hurtful way toward his teammates.
After trying to give Isaac some advice about trying to change his perspective during a game without seeing any results Isaac's coach invites him to come and help with a Special Olympics Unified Sports Team on the weekend. A Special Olympics Unified Sports Team pairs abled and disabled athletes as they play a variety of sports. When Isaac arrives for his first Sunday helping with basketball he meets Kevin--a Special Olympics athlete. Although he is initially a little shocked by Kevin's behavior--because it is different from how he, himself, would behave, Isaac comes to see in Kevin that courage and "perfection" might actually look different than he has always imagined them.
Perfect Game could be a great read-aloud in the right classroom. It's a dynamite bedtime read-aloud together or independently for a young reader who enjoys sports--particularly baseball. The language and plot structure are easily read by advanced 2nd through 4th & 5th grade readers. The concepts of 'perfection' and 'winning' are examined in an age-appropriate and age-effective manner by a writer with considerable skill in characterization and believable dialogue.
September 6, 2013
This review is also posted at http://readingnookandcranny.blogspot....
I am a sucker for a sports story, even one geared to tweenage boys, so I took a chance and got an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. I'm glad I did. A quick and easy read for someone like myself, it is a good story for 10 - 15 years old boys and girls alike. I grew up playing fall ball and summer ball along with my brother. And while this is a story about baseball, it's also about a lot more than that.
Bowen touches on how much pressure parents put on kids these days, even for recreational sports. Isaac is not unlike a lot of kids I played softball with and that my brother played baseball with, whose overbearing fathers/parents tried to make them perfect at their game, all the while sucking most of the fun out of the sport for their child.
While I have volunteered with many organizations for kids, I regret to say I haven't had the opportunity to help out the Special Olympics yet, although my brother has. As someone who grew up babysitting for a family with children with Down's syndrome, I instantly took a liking to Isaac as he began to form a friendship with Kevin and help him out of his shell and into basketball with the other kids. "Retarded" is a word that kids when I was growing up threw around a lot, and while most kids don't mean anything by it, it can be hurtful when used whether intended or not.
This book is a baseball novel like Moneyball is a baseball movie. It has some insightful motives that kids in the target audience might miss the virtues of, but that older readers can see and hope that today's youth can understand and accept.
I am a sucker for a sports story, even one geared to tweenage boys, so I took a chance and got an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. I'm glad I did. A quick and easy read for someone like myself, it is a good story for 10 - 15 years old boys and girls alike. I grew up playing fall ball and summer ball along with my brother. And while this is a story about baseball, it's also about a lot more than that.
Bowen touches on how much pressure parents put on kids these days, even for recreational sports. Isaac is not unlike a lot of kids I played softball with and that my brother played baseball with, whose overbearing fathers/parents tried to make them perfect at their game, all the while sucking most of the fun out of the sport for their child.
While I have volunteered with many organizations for kids, I regret to say I haven't had the opportunity to help out the Special Olympics yet, although my brother has. As someone who grew up babysitting for a family with children with Down's syndrome, I instantly took a liking to Isaac as he began to form a friendship with Kevin and help him out of his shell and into basketball with the other kids. "Retarded" is a word that kids when I was growing up threw around a lot, and while most kids don't mean anything by it, it can be hurtful when used whether intended or not.
This book is a baseball novel like Moneyball is a baseball movie. It has some insightful motives that kids in the target audience might miss the virtues of, but that older readers can see and hope that today's youth can understand and accept.
September 7, 2013
TITLE: PERFECT GAME
AUTHOR: FRED BOWEN
GENRE/AUDIENCE: SPORTS/MIDDLE SCHOOLERS/ (Somewhat more geared to boys in story)
PUBLISHER: OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED MEDIA
PUB DATE: AUG 20, 2013
REVIEW: Isaac is obsessed with pitching the perfect game. His father emphasizes the need to be perfect: "Practice doesn't make perfect, PERFECT Practice makes Perfect." Isaac has lost sight of the team around him, and even a winning game means nothing because he obsesses over pitching perfection. It's his only hope to be drafted on the Thunderbolts all-star team.
Finally, Isaac's coach asks him to help out with a basketball team he coaches. Isaac arrives to a gym with a lot going on, and it doesn't look like "real" basketball to him. This is a Special Olympics Unified Sports team. As Isaac watches players who just want to do their best and helps one special athlete in particular, he regains his enthusiasm for playing and practicing sports, maybe perfect isn't all it is cracked up to be.
Book includes a section on MLB pitchers who have pitched perfect games -- interestingly, few had winning seasons at the same time. The stats are good to underscore the messages in the book.
END: Upbeat!
TAGS: Special Olympics, perfectly pitched game, teamwork, perfectionism.
PERMALINK:
http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2013/...
ABOUT THIS REVIEWER:I have been approved for 100+ NetGalley books. I am a book lover and aspiring librarian. My passion is in reader's advisory -- finding the right book to be read next! This means I read very widely. My Blog on Blogger had over 700 hits in July, 875 hits in August.
November 16, 2015
The Perfect Game, the main character is Isaac Burnett who is a baseball player. The story took place mostly on the baseball field with Isaac's games and later also took place in the Landmark School gym. Isaac was always concerned about pitching a perfect game and not really caring how well the team was doing. Coach Park asked Isaac if he would be interested in helping out with a basketball team which ended up being kids with special needs and were Special Olympics Players. Isaac formed a special bond with Kevin who was very nervous about playing basketball with the other kids. Each week Isaac helped Kevin become more comfortable about being part of a team. This also helped Isaac understand that you should be a part of a team and not just think it's all about you. Isaac had a great season with the Giants and then he made the Thunderbolts Summer All-Star team. Even though Isaac never did pitch a perfect game,he realized the importance of just doing your best like the kids on the Special Olympics team. I read this book because I really like to read books about sports. My teacher from 5th grade recommended me to read this book.
June 6, 2017
Isaac hopes to pitch a perfect game and get drafted onto the Thunderbolts—the most select baseball team in the league. His dad practices with him every evening and even has a mantra that Isaac repeats back to him: “Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect.” Even when his team wins, Isaac gives himself a hard time for walking a batter or for a teammate’s error. One day his coach asks him if he will volunteer with a basketball team for the Special Olympics. “Perfection” takes on a whole new meaning as the basketball players exhibit different disabilities. Slowly, Isaac learns a new way to play and to encourage the other players that affects his own attitude towards baseball.
A “perfect” read for sports buffs. Fred Bowen combines likeable characters, realistic dialogue, and believable character growth with plenty of sports details, statistics, and lingo. Isaac’s personal development and understanding of the players on the Special Olympics team is impressive and rewarding.
Reviewed for www.goodreadingguide.com
A “perfect” read for sports buffs. Fred Bowen combines likeable characters, realistic dialogue, and believable character growth with plenty of sports details, statistics, and lingo. Isaac’s personal development and understanding of the players on the Special Olympics team is impressive and rewarding.
Reviewed for www.goodreadingguide.com
August 7, 2015
Okay, I'll freely admit it. I don't typically get into sports books... at all. It's not that I'm anti-sports books -- it's just that I don't really have an athletic bone in my body. Granted, I'm okay at mini-golf and bowling, and I'm pretty good at ping-pong, but other than that... you get the picture. However, since this book is one of this year's KC3 novels, I made an exception -- and I'm glad that I did. Sure, Perfect Game is pretty predictable. There were no real shocks or surprises for this long-time reader. However, it DID have a lot of heart, powerful character development for the story's protagonist, and a wonderful message. Most importantly, a big focus of this book was on Special Olympics, and the lessons that Isaac learns through his time helping out with a Unified Sports basketball team really helps open his eyes to what's most important about being an athlete, being a part of a team, and being a true friend.
July 20, 2013
Isaac is a good pitcher who aims to throw a perfect game. Dad is overly competitive and pushes his son to be perfect, forgetting that baseball is a team sport. (I have met this dad at many AAU basketball games....)
Lucky for Isaac, he was a wonderful coach who senses what he truly needs. He recruits him to help with his special Olympics Unified basketball team. Here he learns patience and teamwork and that being perfect isn't what it is all about. Important lessons here for kids who are pushed (internally or externally) to always be perfect, to realize that those with disabilities have lots of abilities, and some good sports-to-life metaphors.
Lucky for Isaac, he was a wonderful coach who senses what he truly needs. He recruits him to help with his special Olympics Unified basketball team. Here he learns patience and teamwork and that being perfect isn't what it is all about. Important lessons here for kids who are pushed (internally or externally) to always be perfect, to realize that those with disabilities have lots of abilities, and some good sports-to-life metaphors.
July 11, 2016
Isaac is obsessed with pitching the perfect game. He comes close but never quite succeeds. His father pressures him with practice and perfection. His coach takes a different route and invites him to help with a Special Olympics basketball team. Through working with the team, Isaac realizes that he doesn't have to be perfect.
This read like an after school special. Pressured Isaac only realizes perfection is not all there is after getting to know less "perfect" people. There is a lot of baseball, which I can see boys responding to, but the "messagey" quality of the book might turn other readers away.
This read like an after school special. Pressured Isaac only realizes perfection is not all there is after getting to know less "perfect" people. There is a lot of baseball, which I can see boys responding to, but the "messagey" quality of the book might turn other readers away.
Read
November 1, 2017I gave this book 4 stars because my kids said to give it 4 stars. I read it to them as part of our homeschool day, and they enjoyed it. I am glad they did. It certainly made a very good point/had a wonderful moral.
As for my own enjoyment of the book… eh. I'm not hugely fond of stories written for the sole purpose of pounding a moral into one's head. I prefer more subtly pressed points. It was well-written, however, and not unlike events I see in real life. My oldest son pitches when he plays baseball and he is just as hard on himself as the main character of this story. I hope my son learned something from this tale.
As for my own enjoyment of the book… eh. I'm not hugely fond of stories written for the sole purpose of pounding a moral into one's head. I prefer more subtly pressed points. It was well-written, however, and not unlike events I see in real life. My oldest son pitches when he plays baseball and he is just as hard on himself as the main character of this story. I hope my son learned something from this tale.
February 10, 2013
An important look at what makes a "perfect" game in the eyes of a very competitive pitcher with a demanding and perfectionist dad. Isaac really wants to pitch a perfect game and is so driven that he forgets that it is a team win that counts but his wise coach gets him involved with a very unique group of players, part of a Special Olympics United Sports basketball team and he learns from them the value of sticking with the game and making your best effort. There are some important insights here, nicely encased in a story about a very likable boy.
August 6, 2015
MHL Book #7 for me this summer. Was actually checked out from the library and read quickly and eagerly by one of the boys before I realized it was an Maud Hart Lovelace nominee this year. About a boy who strives to pitch the "perfect game" in baseball. In his desire for perfection, he often loses his temper and alienates his teammates. To help him understand the real meaning of games and sportsmanship, his coach has him help volunteer with a Special Olympics basketball team. He ends up becoming a better player and a better person because of it. Great message. Good book.
March 17, 2016
I did not enjoy this book. It was part of a Battle of the Books competition (where you read a list of 10 books and have trivia on them) so I was required to read it. I mostly just skimmed it, and luckily it was around 100 pages long. It had poor writing and a super whiney protagonist that went on and on. I am also not a huge fan of sports stories and so the long passages about the baseball games were not particularly interesting to me. It wasn't up my alley, and someone else would have liked it more than I did.
September 30, 2015
Isaac learns that being the best pitcher means more than throwing the perfect game. For those who are unfamiliar with what a perfect game in baseball is, it means facing all the batters in a game without giving up a hit or a walk. This is a rewarding read in which Isaac not only plays baseball, but plays basketball too by becoming involved with Special Olympics Unified Sports.
Fans of John Coy's 4 for 4 series or other sports stories will find much to like in this one.
Fans of John Coy's 4 for 4 series or other sports stories will find much to like in this one.
December 12, 2015
Isaac is a pitcher for the Giants. His forever dream was to finally pitch a perfect game. But then he decides to play with a basketball team for disabled kids. It changes his whole view of the perfect game. Then comes a team called the Thunderbolts. It’s a baseball team that needs tryouts but he is ready for the challenge.
I recommend this book to people who are into young adult books. This was an amazing book.
I recommend this book to people who are into young adult books. This was an amazing book.
January 14, 2016
Isaac is a serious pitcher. He's got an awesome fastball and sneaky changeup. He's determined to pitch a perfect game: no hits, no runs, no walks, and no errors. He gets close a couple of times, but when the batter gets on base, Isaac totally loses his cool on the mound and can't get his head back in the game. Then Isaac learns about a Special Olympics Unified Sports team and meets an interesting athlete who shows him a whole new way to think about perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2013
Note: I read this as a free e-ARC from Netgalley. Great middle school sports story. It's a two fold story of a 13 year old baseball pitcher trying to have a perfect no hit game. In the mean time he begins working with a special olympics basketball team. In the process he learns more about being part of a team and appreciating accomplishments even if they are not "perfect."
September 23, 2013
Isaac is obsessed with pitching a perfect game. He gets quite upset when other players mess up. When his coach suggests he come help coach a basketball team, Isaac meets some kids who will challenge his ideas of perfection and teamwork.
A bit preachy but great look at sports teams for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
A bit preachy but great look at sports teams for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
September 30, 2013
Buzzwords: Sports, parental pressure, children with special needs, the importance of trying vs. winning, what is perfection
Through working with a basketball team of children with special needs, Isaac learns that playing ball is about effort and improvement far more than just about himself and perfect pitches.
Through working with a basketball team of children with special needs, Isaac learns that playing ball is about effort and improvement far more than just about himself and perfect pitches.
January 8, 2014
Fred Bowen's sports books just keep getting better and better. This book features Isaac, who is always trying to pitch a perfect Little League game. His coach invites him to help with a Special Olympics basketball team, and he learns important lessons from the players and games. This book has lots of sports drama, friendship, and positive life lessons.
March 7, 2014
A quick read with lots of good messages. I liked how the author intertwined the dilemma of perfection and sportsmanship along with special needs and perspective. The fact that I read the book on " spread the word to end the word day," which is referenced, was neat! A good choice for kids who love sports, are reluctant readers, or enjoy a quick read.
September 30, 2015
I didn't love this book, but it will hit the sweet spot of [boy] readers, baseball players (or fans), and kids who need/like a simpler read. Good theme, good character development.
I do really like the information Bowen includes at the end about the sport of baseball and the history of adaptive sports.
I do really like the information Bowen includes at the end about the sport of baseball and the history of adaptive sports.
April 27, 2016
Isaac's dream is to pitch a perfect game - in fact it has come to be an obsession. Then his coach suggests that he come and help with some special olympics kids. He realizes that doing your best is way better than being the best and stands up to his perfectionist dad. LOTS of baseball action - easy to read with an awesome message.
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