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Lenny & the Mikes #2
Say It Ain't So
Lenny, Mike, and Other Mike are back in school for the glory that is seventh grade, and this year, Mike is determined to make catcher on the middle-school team. When Mike's hard work pays off and he wins the coveted postition, Lenny is a little jealous, but he'll settle for being the team's unofficial announcer.
The team has a brilliant new pitcher, Hunter Ashwell, and though he's a bit of a jerk, he and Mike have a great pitcher/catcher dynamic that could make the team champions. But things take a strange turn when Hunter's perfect pitching streak goes downhill, and Lenny suspects foul play—specifically, someone stealing Mike's catcher signals. But who could be responsible, and why?
The team has a brilliant new pitcher, Hunter Ashwell, and though he's a bit of a jerk, he and Mike have a great pitcher/catcher dynamic that could make the team champions. But things take a strange turn when Hunter's perfect pitching streak goes downhill, and Lenny suspects foul play—specifically, someone stealing Mike's catcher signals. But who could be responsible, and why?
279 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Josh Berk
10 books147 followersThe Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin will be released on February 9, 2010.
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2019
another cute one from this writer. a good sequel to the first book.
i liked the characters and was glad to read about them again. glad that Maria shows up.
and 3 mysteries for Lenny to solve in this one.
this one was funnier than the previous one & i found myself chuckling out loud.
i'd recommend this to middle school teens who like baseball and/or mysteries.
funny quotes: (more for an adult reading)
"Caller ID," he said. "Also, why are you talking like that?"
"I'm your rough-talking detective," I said. "I'm dangerous, but fair. I want just two things: justice and a cough drop."
I put my feet up on my desk. Not sure why, but this is what detectives always do. Something about putting your feet up means being a detective. It probably helps you think. It was kind of uncomfortable.
i liked the characters and was glad to read about them again. glad that Maria shows up.
and 3 mysteries for Lenny to solve in this one.
this one was funnier than the previous one & i found myself chuckling out loud.
i'd recommend this to middle school teens who like baseball and/or mysteries.
funny quotes: (more for an adult reading)
"Caller ID," he said. "Also, why are you talking like that?"
"I'm your rough-talking detective," I said. "I'm dangerous, but fair. I want just two things: justice and a cough drop."
I put my feet up on my desk. Not sure why, but this is what detectives always do. Something about putting your feet up means being a detective. It probably helps you think. It was kind of uncomfortable.
September 25, 2021
I sadly did not love this book. I read "Three Strikes Your Dead" a while ago, and I remember thoroughly enjoying it. So, I was excited to find out that this book existed, and I was excited to get around to reading it. I hate to say that I was disappointed. I did like the characters. They were interesting, and they had personalities. However, they were pretty two-dimensional, and I didn't ever develop a deep caring for any of them. The plot was similar. It's not that it was bad, but I didn't really care about what was happening. It took a while to actually get into the heart of the book, and I had the mystery solved right around the time that it started. You never want that in a mystery because that means that the surprise and excitement are gone. My main issue with this book was that it simply felt very young. I understand that it was written for a younger audience, but I read a lot of books that have the same target demographic, and I still thoroughly enjoy those books. This book was just so juvenile that there was no way I could get into it. The humor would only be funny to a younger reader, and the content is just really for younger people. Having said that, there was no cursing, no sexual content, and no real violence. This book is definitely middle grade. I think that a younger audience will truly enjoy this book, but I don't think that anyone above the age of 12 will truly enjoy it. I can't say that I recommend this book because I didn't enjoy it. I'm sure that there are other people who would enjoy this book, but I just couldn't. I did finish it relatively quickly, however, I did feel like I had to drag myself through the end of the book. It was really slow at the end, and I ended up really just wanting to get it over with. I'm not sure that I will be picking up more from this author in the future, but, who knows, maybe I will surprise myself.
May 26, 2014
It's baseball season at Schwenkfelder Middle School. Davis Gannett is the catcher, that is until a cell phone is discovered hidden in his locker inside his shin guard. Davis claims he didn't steal the phone, rather he was being framed. The coach doesn’t believe him and kicks him off the team. Mike decides to try out for the team as catcher. Lenny and Mike are best friends so Lenny throws completely wild pitches as Mike scrambles to catch them. Somehow Mike makes the team and proves to be a good catcher. So who stole the phone and why? Thus the mystery begins.
When Lenny arrives with Mike at the first game, a surprise awaits. Lenny, who has a really good voice, is asked to announce the home games from a new booth — a modified shed, really — Hunter pitches and Mike catches a perfect game at home. The second game is an away game, and rules require Hunter not to start so he won't injure his pitching arm and so it goes.
Say It Ain't So is a humorous mixture of middle grade antics, baseball, and mystery. Actually two mysteries: If Davis didn't steal the phone, who did and why? And is someone stealing signals between Mike and starting pitcher, Hunter, to win games?
The commentary written from Lenny's point of view is laugh out loud funny. There is a lot of baseball jargon and interesting obscure baseball history. The mystery of the phone theft really tests the boys' close friendship. Although, I am not a huge sports fan, I found this book highly entertaining from the first word to the last.
Here is some dialogue I particularly enjoyed:
"So you feel like a better person?"
"Oh yeah," I said. "I feel like the greatest person in the world. I feel like if Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa had a baby."
and...
Lenny is a self-proclaimed detective.
"So, Lenny, you think you can crack the case while announcing ball games?"
"I can crack the case while announcing ball games, whistling 'Dixie,' drinking a quart of milk, and fating the national anthem."
When Lenny arrives with Mike at the first game, a surprise awaits. Lenny, who has a really good voice, is asked to announce the home games from a new booth — a modified shed, really — Hunter pitches and Mike catches a perfect game at home. The second game is an away game, and rules require Hunter not to start so he won't injure his pitching arm and so it goes.
Say It Ain't So is a humorous mixture of middle grade antics, baseball, and mystery. Actually two mysteries: If Davis didn't steal the phone, who did and why? And is someone stealing signals between Mike and starting pitcher, Hunter, to win games?
The commentary written from Lenny's point of view is laugh out loud funny. There is a lot of baseball jargon and interesting obscure baseball history. The mystery of the phone theft really tests the boys' close friendship. Although, I am not a huge sports fan, I found this book highly entertaining from the first word to the last.
Here is some dialogue I particularly enjoyed:
"So you feel like a better person?"
"Oh yeah," I said. "I feel like the greatest person in the world. I feel like if Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa had a baby."
and...
Lenny is a self-proclaimed detective.
"So, Lenny, you think you can crack the case while announcing ball games?"
"I can crack the case while announcing ball games, whistling 'Dixie,' drinking a quart of milk, and fating the national anthem."
July 6, 2017
Lenny, Mike and Other Mike are back with another mystery. This one focuses more on the Schwenkfelder Mustangs baseball team. Mike decides to take Ramon Formosa's suggestion and try out for the Mustangs at the catching position. With help from Lenny, Mike becomes an ace at stopping wild pitches. He soon makes the team as the backup catcher. It's hard for Lenny not to be a little jealous of Mike, but when he gets the chance to be the announcer at the home games, he's a little less upset. Just a few practices into the season, Davis Gannett is kicked off the team for stealing a cellphone and Mike moves into the starting roll. Davis protests his innocence, but no one believes him, except Other Mike. He seems to have an alibi for Davis that no one wants to hear about. But Lenny starts to wonder. In the meantime, the new hot pitcher for the Mustangs, Hunter Ashwell, throws a no hitter. Suddenly, he seems unbeatable and the Mustangs are sure to go all the way this year. But not only is Hunter awesome, he's arrogant, too. And there are a lot of people who would like to see him fail. So badly, in fact, that it seems they will resort to stealing signs. Lenny starts to dig into who might be responsible before it costs the Mustangs their season. And this time, he's going to need some outside help: Maria Bonzer, front and center.
Students will enjoy the banter of the friends, but the mysteries are pretty predictable.
Students will enjoy the banter of the friends, but the mysteries are pretty predictable.
May 1, 2014
Well, I laughed out loud several times, so much so that soon I was laughing at the "just funny" stuff along with the "truly funny" stuff. That's what Lenny and his friends, Mike and Other Mike, do to me. I hope Berk writes a slew of these baseball related mysteries. The mysteries manage to involve all kinds of middle-school angst. Does Lenny REALLY think that Mike framed a team mate for his (Mike's) own glory? Come ON, Lenny!
And why is Lenny's own telescope found in very incriminating circumstances? You won't believe the answer. And who are those ninja kids in the opposing team's hoodies? And how did Other Mike become a baseball strategist when he has NO INTEREST in the game? And why does Lenny want Maria Bonzer's phone number?
Read the book for the answer to these and many more questions>
And why is Lenny's own telescope found in very incriminating circumstances? You won't believe the answer. And who are those ninja kids in the opposing team's hoodies? And how did Other Mike become a baseball strategist when he has NO INTEREST in the game? And why does Lenny want Maria Bonzer's phone number?
Read the book for the answer to these and many more questions>
March 28, 2014
Lenny and the Mikes are back with another mystery. It’s baseball season at the middle school and Mike has been practicing catching in hopes of making the Schwenkfelder baseball team. When 8th grader Davis Gannett gets cut from the team, Mike takes his place as first string catcher, but can the team maintain their winning streak when someone is trying to sabotage the games? Lots of play by play, exciting games and sports references. This is a great boy read, and the second book in the Lenny and the Mikes Mystery Series.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
July 6, 2014
I really loved the voice in this book, as seventh grader Lenny Norbeck tells the story of his friend Mike working to make the middle school baseball team as a catcher, then getting the starting job when the regular catcher gets caught stealing... A cell phone. But was he framed? Did Mike do it? And who is stealing signs from the team? Fast moving, silly and light, this book is best for boys who like a fast, funny read, and best for 5th/6th grade. Quite a few repetitions of the word "freaking" might upset some parents.
September 1, 2015
In this second Lenny & the Mikes Mystery, it is half way through seventh grade. Lenny, though he loves baseball, knows he isn't good enough to make the middle school team. Instead, he throws wild pitches (the only kind he can) to help Mike train to make it on the team as catcher. Once Mike is on the team, Lenny finds himself embroiled in a series of mysteries. Can Lenny solve them again, as he did in the first book? Lenny's thought process is hilarious, and he will keep the reader amused until the end. An excellent book for baseball lovers, recommended for grades 4-8.
March 23, 2014
This second in series book is about equal parts middle grade antics, baseball, and mystery. The mystery itself (there are actually two) unfolds between a lot of humorous commentary from the main character and a considerable amount of baseball talk. Overall, an enjoyable book that will keep its intended audience entertained throughout. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
August 28, 2014
Great characters, excellent writing, and just an overall pleasure to read. It is going to definitely appeal to the middle grade student, but I think adults will get a kick out of it as well. I certainly did!
October 17, 2014
I liked the book because it was about baseball and it had some mystery in the story and they figured out that the coach was cheating by giving the other team signs. What i didn't like about the book is that it started the book boring but then it got better.
November 1, 2014
I have a confession: I didn't read the first book in the series, you can stop reading now if you don't like my review.
The book seemed like it was the mind of a middle school student. Good story strange choppiness to it.
The book seemed like it was the mind of a middle school student. Good story strange choppiness to it.
September 9, 2016
A funny, quirky sports mystery...perfect for middle school aged boys!
Read
May 14, 2014Great book I love it
July 14, 2016
Provoked much snorting and much giggling at lines like "That's like the pot calling the kettle a dork."
April 8, 2015
Clean mystery for middle school kids.
July 24, 2015
Excellent story about the importance of sports in small towns. Has well-rounded characters and a surprise ending.
August 7, 2015
Horrendous! Read Mike lupica or john Feinstein instead!
Read
February 24, 2019Choice book 2 quarter 3
Say it ain't so is a sports book written by Josh Berk it takes place in a small town called Schwenkfelder. The main character is an eighth grader he gets to join the baseball team and even though he is bad sometimes that can help. Lenny is one of the main characters in Say it ain't so and with the help of his friends he solves more crimes and he gets on the baseball team and screws stuff up with his friends.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Lenny is an eighth grader who goes to the Schwenkfelder middle school and is a major baseball fan and says he is the worst baseball player ever.
Mike is Lenny's best friend who is the same as lenny he loves baseball and he is on the Schwenfelder middle school team.
Other Mike is also their bestfriends and he does not have the same intrest in baseball and he would rather read Warlocks instead.
Last is Maria she is Lenny's partner in crime and she is the niece of the librarian and they found her while they were looking for a murderer.
MAIN PROBLUM
The main problum in this book is that the first couple times they play this team they could not find out what the pitch was going to be and it was tough but someone from the team tells the griffith team the different signs and then they know what to expect and they know whats coming.
THESIS STATEMENT
The author believes that no matter what is happening you can still do it. Text Evidence:
1: Lenny has lost a friend ship because he accused his friend but finds out who it really is and apologizes.
2:Other Mike does not know a lot about baseball but since the coach has left he had become assistant coach and ended up helping the team a lot.
3:after Lenny gets punched in the face and gets a black eye he still tries to solve the case.
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
There was a part in the book where Lenny accuses his friend of trying to get someone off the team by making it look like he did something bad and he gets mad about it and tells him to get out because they are not friends anymore. That part of the story made me think for a long time because they had been friends since when they were young and he just says they are not friends like that it just made me think about it for along time.
Say it ain't so is a sports book written by Josh Berk it takes place in a small town called Schwenkfelder. The main character is an eighth grader he gets to join the baseball team and even though he is bad sometimes that can help. Lenny is one of the main characters in Say it ain't so and with the help of his friends he solves more crimes and he gets on the baseball team and screws stuff up with his friends.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Lenny is an eighth grader who goes to the Schwenkfelder middle school and is a major baseball fan and says he is the worst baseball player ever.
Mike is Lenny's best friend who is the same as lenny he loves baseball and he is on the Schwenfelder middle school team.
Other Mike is also their bestfriends and he does not have the same intrest in baseball and he would rather read Warlocks instead.
Last is Maria she is Lenny's partner in crime and she is the niece of the librarian and they found her while they were looking for a murderer.
MAIN PROBLUM
The main problum in this book is that the first couple times they play this team they could not find out what the pitch was going to be and it was tough but someone from the team tells the griffith team the different signs and then they know what to expect and they know whats coming.
THESIS STATEMENT
The author believes that no matter what is happening you can still do it. Text Evidence:
1: Lenny has lost a friend ship because he accused his friend but finds out who it really is and apologizes.
2:Other Mike does not know a lot about baseball but since the coach has left he had become assistant coach and ended up helping the team a lot.
3:after Lenny gets punched in the face and gets a black eye he still tries to solve the case.
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
There was a part in the book where Lenny accuses his friend of trying to get someone off the team by making it look like he did something bad and he gets mad about it and tells him to get out because they are not friends anymore. That part of the story made me think for a long time because they had been friends since when they were young and he just says they are not friends like that it just made me think about it for along time.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews