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The Right Call: A Game Changer Companion Novel
From award-winning author Tommy Greenwald comes a thrilling companion novel to Game Changer that explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents will go to make sure their kid comes out on top
Cal Klondike’s life revolves around baseball. He’s the Walthorne Baseball Academy’s star pitcher, and everyone from his coach to his dad to the town sports blogger is telling Cal he has an unlimited future in the sport. But with all this attention comes a lot of added stress, especially as the season kicks into high gear and college and pro scouts start to show up at the games. Inevitably, tensions that have been bubbling under the surface finally boil over, culminating in a confrontation that could change Cal’s relationship to baseball forever.
Told through a combination of transcripts, articles, texts, and emails, The Right Call is a gripping, fast-paced story for middle grade readers about our split-second decisions, facing the consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.
Cal Klondike’s life revolves around baseball. He’s the Walthorne Baseball Academy’s star pitcher, and everyone from his coach to his dad to the town sports blogger is telling Cal he has an unlimited future in the sport. But with all this attention comes a lot of added stress, especially as the season kicks into high gear and college and pro scouts start to show up at the games. Inevitably, tensions that have been bubbling under the surface finally boil over, culminating in a confrontation that could change Cal’s relationship to baseball forever.
Told through a combination of transcripts, articles, texts, and emails, The Right Call is a gripping, fast-paced story for middle grade readers about our split-second decisions, facing the consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2025
6 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Tommy Greenwald
43 books188 followersTommy Greenwald's book GAME CHANGER has been named an Amazon Best Book Of The Month, a 2019 YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Junior Library Guild Premier Selection. Tommy is also the author of the CRIMEBITERS, CHARLIE JOE JACKSON and PROJECT Z series, among many other books for children.
Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.
To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)
Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.
To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 5, 2025
I listened to about 5 minutes of the audiobook for this before turning it off, not because anything was wrong, but because I realized it was such a perfect book that I needed to buy a physical copy to have in my hands and keep on my shelves!
The Right Call is written in multiple formats, from text messages to interviews to newspaper articles. This lends well to the mystery components, but this is very much a baseball book as well. The baseball components are fantastic, and yet it is a book about youth sports in general too, about what sports look like now for many teens: intense, year-round training and competition, pressure from parents, friends, and scouts, and losing oneself to sport without considering what it is doing to yourself and those around you.
Without getting preachy or simplistic, this book did a great job reminding kids and adults alike that none of us is the worst thing we've ever done (or the best thing we've ever done) and yet we do have to live with the consequences of those actions. A lot of the time that means that it will take hard work to dig out of the poor choices and that there are liabilities that come with the good choices.
This book is a quick and poignant read and took several turns I didn't expect. An incredibly relevant and thought-provoking novel that is highly accessible for ages 12+.
The Right Call is written in multiple formats, from text messages to interviews to newspaper articles. This lends well to the mystery components, but this is very much a baseball book as well. The baseball components are fantastic, and yet it is a book about youth sports in general too, about what sports look like now for many teens: intense, year-round training and competition, pressure from parents, friends, and scouts, and losing oneself to sport without considering what it is doing to yourself and those around you.
Without getting preachy or simplistic, this book did a great job reminding kids and adults alike that none of us is the worst thing we've ever done (or the best thing we've ever done) and yet we do have to live with the consequences of those actions. A lot of the time that means that it will take hard work to dig out of the poor choices and that there are liabilities that come with the good choices.
This book is a quick and poignant read and took several turns I didn't expect. An incredibly relevant and thought-provoking novel that is highly accessible for ages 12+.
January 6, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this companion to Dinged (2022), Rivals (2021) and Game Changer (2018) set in the same Walthorne community, Cal Klondike is a fifteen years old pitcher who has recently been making the news with his skills. His father, who has always been supportive, has become a little too intense, and Cal is feeling a lot of pressure. The book starts with information from a police scanner that a man has been attacked; we then flash back five months. Through local news articles, transcripts of Cal's meetings with a school counselor, Mr. Rashad, interviews, texts between Cal and his friend Luis, and poems that Cal writes, we see how the growing interest in his baseball career is making Cal dislike the sport more and more. He is glad to be doing well, and helping out his team, and enjoys perfecting his "slurve" (slow curve) ball with Luis, who is the team's catcher, but doesn't care for dealing with scouts or his father's increasingly volatile behavior towards Mr. Tedesco, the coach, or the umpires. After his father loses his temper with Cal for going to the batting cages at the fair with his friends, Cal has even less patience. Still, when he is pitching a crucial game, he ignores his body's hints and continues to pitch hard, partially tearing a muscle in his shoulder. He's out of the game two months, and has to spend time doing physical therapy. He's back in time for the fall season, but his father is increasingly worried about Cal's scholarship opportunities. During a game where Mr. Klondike thinks the umpire is unfair, he gets thrown out of the game for repeatedly arguing with the very level headed older umpire. It doesn't help that Mr. Tedesco has been ribbing the ump about his poor eyesight and age. After the game, there is an altercation in the parking lot, and Cal and his mother arrive just after Mr. Klondike has pushed the umpire, Mr. Goshen, who falls, hits his head, and is badly injured. The police get involved, Mr. Goshen is hospitalized, and has a long recovery. Cal quits playing as his father's legal case proceeds, but eventually connects with Mr. Goshen, who is a Vietnam vet who served during the Fall of Saigon, and makes peace with his father and baseball in general.
While I find it harder to follow a story in a variety of formats (especially texts), my students love this shorter, more varied form, and Mr. Greenwald has really perfected it. There is a lot of suspense and tension in the way the story is told, and it's a relief when Cal is able to see another perspective on his sport through Mr. Goshen's eyes. I was surprised at how much Luis' humor and support for his friend came through his texts!
There's plenty of baseball descriptions for players and fans, and Greenwald's support of umpires and his concern for the growing number of altercations that they are dragged in to is fantastic to see. Carl Deuker (Night Hoops, Swagger, Golden Arm, Shadowed) has always been my go to for sports stories that include serious issues, but Greenwald is now right up there on my list of sports novels that are great choices for middle school and high school readers who have moved beyond the simple problems of Fred Bowen and Matt Christopher books and are willing to give serious thought to more complex ones.
Myer's Monster is a book that is frequently used as a class novel; teachers love the social justice themes as well as the format that engages deeper levels of thinking. I'd love to see Greenwald's Walthorne books used in a similar way; they would certainly be a hit with the athletes in the classes.
In this companion to Dinged (2022), Rivals (2021) and Game Changer (2018) set in the same Walthorne community, Cal Klondike is a fifteen years old pitcher who has recently been making the news with his skills. His father, who has always been supportive, has become a little too intense, and Cal is feeling a lot of pressure. The book starts with information from a police scanner that a man has been attacked; we then flash back five months. Through local news articles, transcripts of Cal's meetings with a school counselor, Mr. Rashad, interviews, texts between Cal and his friend Luis, and poems that Cal writes, we see how the growing interest in his baseball career is making Cal dislike the sport more and more. He is glad to be doing well, and helping out his team, and enjoys perfecting his "slurve" (slow curve) ball with Luis, who is the team's catcher, but doesn't care for dealing with scouts or his father's increasingly volatile behavior towards Mr. Tedesco, the coach, or the umpires. After his father loses his temper with Cal for going to the batting cages at the fair with his friends, Cal has even less patience. Still, when he is pitching a crucial game, he ignores his body's hints and continues to pitch hard, partially tearing a muscle in his shoulder. He's out of the game two months, and has to spend time doing physical therapy. He's back in time for the fall season, but his father is increasingly worried about Cal's scholarship opportunities. During a game where Mr. Klondike thinks the umpire is unfair, he gets thrown out of the game for repeatedly arguing with the very level headed older umpire. It doesn't help that Mr. Tedesco has been ribbing the ump about his poor eyesight and age. After the game, there is an altercation in the parking lot, and Cal and his mother arrive just after Mr. Klondike has pushed the umpire, Mr. Goshen, who falls, hits his head, and is badly injured. The police get involved, Mr. Goshen is hospitalized, and has a long recovery. Cal quits playing as his father's legal case proceeds, but eventually connects with Mr. Goshen, who is a Vietnam vet who served during the Fall of Saigon, and makes peace with his father and baseball in general.
While I find it harder to follow a story in a variety of formats (especially texts), my students love this shorter, more varied form, and Mr. Greenwald has really perfected it. There is a lot of suspense and tension in the way the story is told, and it's a relief when Cal is able to see another perspective on his sport through Mr. Goshen's eyes. I was surprised at how much Luis' humor and support for his friend came through his texts!
There's plenty of baseball descriptions for players and fans, and Greenwald's support of umpires and his concern for the growing number of altercations that they are dragged in to is fantastic to see. Carl Deuker (Night Hoops, Swagger, Golden Arm, Shadowed) has always been my go to for sports stories that include serious issues, but Greenwald is now right up there on my list of sports novels that are great choices for middle school and high school readers who have moved beyond the simple problems of Fred Bowen and Matt Christopher books and are willing to give serious thought to more complex ones.
Myer's Monster is a book that is frequently used as a class novel; teachers love the social justice themes as well as the format that engages deeper levels of thinking. I'd love to see Greenwald's Walthorne books used in a similar way; they would certainly be a hit with the athletes in the classes.
November 28, 2025
I'm not sure if I'm crying because the book is that touching or if I'm hormonal.
A surprising amount of suspense for such a short book.
A surprising amount of suspense for such a short book.
April 15, 2025
The Right Call begins with an initial snippet from a police scanner that an altercation has occurred and someone was injured. At first the reader doesn't know who or why. Things then flashback to five months earlier where the story begins to be told through a series of police scanner transcripts, newspaper articles, transcripts of Cal's guidance counselor's sessions, text messages between Cal and his friends, emails, and Cal's internal dialogues or thoughts to "psych himself up" on the mound, that are structured like a poem on the page. I don't think I've ever seen this style of telling an entire story before, yet it really works. It reads like a mystery at first and then a chronicling of how things start to go horribly wrong. But it's also so much more. There's tension, a clear beginning, middle and nice ending. The unique style of writing adds a veracity to the story and gives a seriousness to the events.
I may not be a huge sports person, although I did play a short stint of softball when I was younger, but this story really gripped me. It's a beautiful story that illustrates the great pressures that can come from playing sports, not only the internal pressure and fear of not performing well, but also how involved that parents can become in their child's success. Cal was so dedicated to baseball, and it was difficult to see him lose his passion after the events that transpire at his comeback game. He makes an important point during the story that at first baseball was casual and fun, but quickly that changed. I felt sorry for him and the pressure he was under. He really wanted to defend his dad's actions, making excuses for why it was expected that his dad would be upset with the umpire. While he also felt horrible about what happened. He even blames baseball for being the source of all his problems, instead of a series of bad decisions. Mr. Goshen, the umpire in the story is such a wonderfully kind man. He's instrumental in getting Cal to understand that actions have consequences and the importance of making amends.
Included at the back of the book is an author's note explaining the inspiration for the story and further suggested readings on referee and umpire abuse, and notes on operation babylift and Rick Ankiel, with accompanying links. Overall, I appreciated Greenwald's emphasis on how umpires are people who come to umpiring out of a place for the love of the sport. That there should be no reason to bully or "razz" them by saying they need to get their eyesight checked or that they're too old to ump. Highly recommend it to readers who enjoy sports themed books, books featuring baseball and for fans of Greenwald's other books, Dinged, Rivals, Game Changers, and his Charlie Joe Jackson series.
**A huge thank you to Tommy Greenwald and Amulet Books for the Hardcover ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I may not be a huge sports person, although I did play a short stint of softball when I was younger, but this story really gripped me. It's a beautiful story that illustrates the great pressures that can come from playing sports, not only the internal pressure and fear of not performing well, but also how involved that parents can become in their child's success. Cal was so dedicated to baseball, and it was difficult to see him lose his passion after the events that transpire at his comeback game. He makes an important point during the story that at first baseball was casual and fun, but quickly that changed. I felt sorry for him and the pressure he was under. He really wanted to defend his dad's actions, making excuses for why it was expected that his dad would be upset with the umpire. While he also felt horrible about what happened. He even blames baseball for being the source of all his problems, instead of a series of bad decisions. Mr. Goshen, the umpire in the story is such a wonderfully kind man. He's instrumental in getting Cal to understand that actions have consequences and the importance of making amends.
Included at the back of the book is an author's note explaining the inspiration for the story and further suggested readings on referee and umpire abuse, and notes on operation babylift and Rick Ankiel, with accompanying links. Overall, I appreciated Greenwald's emphasis on how umpires are people who come to umpiring out of a place for the love of the sport. That there should be no reason to bully or "razz" them by saying they need to get their eyesight checked or that they're too old to ump. Highly recommend it to readers who enjoy sports themed books, books featuring baseball and for fans of Greenwald's other books, Dinged, Rivals, Game Changers, and his Charlie Joe Jackson series.
**A huge thank you to Tommy Greenwald and Amulet Books for the Hardcover ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
May 7, 2025
Tension and determination mix with right and wrong in a grabbing read surrounding sports.
Although only fifteen, it's clear Cal is a very talented pitcher, and he's already drawing quite a bit of attention. Thanks to his trainers, even pro scouts are already taking a look at him. While he's trying to just enjoy the game, his father's enthusiasm and support is becoming extreme, and it's beginning to wear on Cal with the increased pressure to impress and succeed. When his desire to catch the scouts' attentions lands him with an injured shoulder, he's even more determined before and soon not only overcomes his injury but seems to be, maybe, better than before. During his first game back on the diamond, an umpire makes a call many don't agree with, especially Cal's father. Throwing insult after insult at the umpire, Cal's father is finally kicked out of the stadium, leaving Cal to fight to keep his head where it needs to be. But Cal's problems are only beginning, since he finds his father arguing with the umpire after the game in the parking lot. A shove ends with the umpire in the hospital and Cal's father arrested and facing charges. While Cal loves baseball, he's not sure how to handle the situation and soon is looking at life in an entirely new light.
The entire tale is told through various forms of media. Newspaper articles, text messages with friends, prose like thoughts, and more forms build up the entire story to create a mosaic, which weaves together effortlessly. The author has done a wonderful job at using the different forms at exactly the right time to create a grabbing atmosphere while bringing across the information as it's needed. It creates a quick and potent read, which even more reluctant readers are sure to enjoy.
While the story centers around Cal and highlights the huge stress involved when talented athletes face scouts, increasing popularity, and growing expectations, it also increases awareness concerning the difficult position umpires can find themselves in because of these high expectations. Bullying and even violence in the face of supposed bad calls comes to the forefront. But there's also a sense of goodness and hope as the true meaning behind the love for sports is explored.
Not only sport fans are sure to enjoy this read, but it packs tons of good messages and food for thought. Add the clever usage of media types, and it's one that even teachers and homeschoolers might want to pick up.
Although only fifteen, it's clear Cal is a very talented pitcher, and he's already drawing quite a bit of attention. Thanks to his trainers, even pro scouts are already taking a look at him. While he's trying to just enjoy the game, his father's enthusiasm and support is becoming extreme, and it's beginning to wear on Cal with the increased pressure to impress and succeed. When his desire to catch the scouts' attentions lands him with an injured shoulder, he's even more determined before and soon not only overcomes his injury but seems to be, maybe, better than before. During his first game back on the diamond, an umpire makes a call many don't agree with, especially Cal's father. Throwing insult after insult at the umpire, Cal's father is finally kicked out of the stadium, leaving Cal to fight to keep his head where it needs to be. But Cal's problems are only beginning, since he finds his father arguing with the umpire after the game in the parking lot. A shove ends with the umpire in the hospital and Cal's father arrested and facing charges. While Cal loves baseball, he's not sure how to handle the situation and soon is looking at life in an entirely new light.
The entire tale is told through various forms of media. Newspaper articles, text messages with friends, prose like thoughts, and more forms build up the entire story to create a mosaic, which weaves together effortlessly. The author has done a wonderful job at using the different forms at exactly the right time to create a grabbing atmosphere while bringing across the information as it's needed. It creates a quick and potent read, which even more reluctant readers are sure to enjoy.
While the story centers around Cal and highlights the huge stress involved when talented athletes face scouts, increasing popularity, and growing expectations, it also increases awareness concerning the difficult position umpires can find themselves in because of these high expectations. Bullying and even violence in the face of supposed bad calls comes to the forefront. But there's also a sense of goodness and hope as the true meaning behind the love for sports is explored.
Not only sport fans are sure to enjoy this read, but it packs tons of good messages and food for thought. Add the clever usage of media types, and it's one that even teachers and homeschoolers might want to pick up.
August 12, 2025
This book has everything a reluctant reader who'd rather play baseball needs to keep the reader engaged. It has the baseball talk which I know my boys would love and will easily "get," the pages are never text-heavy as they are comprised of text messages, and transcripts (that are really more dialogue-centric), as well as articles from the local paper. However, I was really upset when my son tells me there was a bad word--the "s" word, which my 11-year-olds know they should never repeat, nor do I wish to bombard them with such, such that they become desensitized and it becomes ingrained, so much so that it may one day slip out accidentally. It also has "BS" and a lot of "damns."
I see on the book page here that it seems to be geared towards the YA audience, however, this book was found in our library's children's section. So yes, I will inform the library of this, but nevertheless, I would like to hope that we can keep such language out of books (even if they are geared towards "young adults" aka "teens" which could be anywhere from, what, 13 and up?). I don't believe this sort of language was necessary to drive the story forward.
The story had a good lesson and it does encourage the less inclined to read, but is it worth it? Can we sweep past the cuss words just as long as our kids are reading?
There will be other books, and I hope publishers and authors will take note.
I see on the book page here that it seems to be geared towards the YA audience, however, this book was found in our library's children's section. So yes, I will inform the library of this, but nevertheless, I would like to hope that we can keep such language out of books (even if they are geared towards "young adults" aka "teens" which could be anywhere from, what, 13 and up?). I don't believe this sort of language was necessary to drive the story forward.
The story had a good lesson and it does encourage the less inclined to read, but is it worth it? Can we sweep past the cuss words just as long as our kids are reading?
There will be other books, and I hope publishers and authors will take note.
Read
November 23, 202511.22.25. 5+. damn, hell, 1 shit. Otherwise, very clean.
Walthorne.
Cal Klondike might only be 15 years old, but he can throw the ball faster than kids years older than him. And many have taken note, and not just local youth reporter Alfie Jenks (who returns from Rivals). Fans, college scouts, and even some professional scouts all come out to see him pitch. He might be Walthorne Baseball Academy's best player. But the pressure is mounting. For Cal, that means coming back from an injury to live up to expectations. For his parents, that means keeping him on track to get a scholarship--or even more. So the pressure is building, but surprisingly, it's Cal's father who eventually cracks, making a violent decision involving one of the umpires. Will this be the end of Cal's baseball career, his family, and even his dad's freedom?
Clear commentary on pressure of adults for kids to play exclusively 1 sport and excel. Told through dialogue between Cal & guidance counselor over course of several months. Articles from Alfie Jenks peppered in. Like the alternative form of narration (interviews, news stories, text exchanges, emails, trial/interview transcripts). Third part relationship w/ Mr. Goshen most inspiring part. Goshen retired Vietnam vet & former big league prospect bonds w/ Cal.
Walthorne.
Cal Klondike might only be 15 years old, but he can throw the ball faster than kids years older than him. And many have taken note, and not just local youth reporter Alfie Jenks (who returns from Rivals). Fans, college scouts, and even some professional scouts all come out to see him pitch. He might be Walthorne Baseball Academy's best player. But the pressure is mounting. For Cal, that means coming back from an injury to live up to expectations. For his parents, that means keeping him on track to get a scholarship--or even more. So the pressure is building, but surprisingly, it's Cal's father who eventually cracks, making a violent decision involving one of the umpires. Will this be the end of Cal's baseball career, his family, and even his dad's freedom?
Clear commentary on pressure of adults for kids to play exclusively 1 sport and excel. Told through dialogue between Cal & guidance counselor over course of several months. Articles from Alfie Jenks peppered in. Like the alternative form of narration (interviews, news stories, text exchanges, emails, trial/interview transcripts). Third part relationship w/ Mr. Goshen most inspiring part. Goshen retired Vietnam vet & former big league prospect bonds w/ Cal.
May 8, 2025
Tommy Greenwald brings readers back to Walthorne with a story that explores the pressures of youth sports. Through transcripts, inner voice, text messages, and news articles, we meet Cal Klondike, a star pitcher for Walthorne Baseball Academy. He is only 15 years old and scouts are already showing up at his games. With all of his success comes incredible pressure. Tension between the adults in Cal’s life leads to a confrontation following a game, and Cal faces a difficult decision. Fans of Game Changer will enjoy a similar format and pace as well as a closer look at some of the pressures faced when trying to make it to college and professional level sports. For student athletes, this book is relatable and authentic. While it examines a negative aspect of competitive sports, it also demonstrates the importance of seeking support for mental health. A recommended addition to classroom and public libraries. Thank you to Abrams Books for providing this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
Wow. I cannot wait to recommend this book. I normally listen to books but the epistolary style was appealing for me to read. I was, however, left on a train ride With nothing to read so i downloaded a copy on hoopla and finished it on audio. Both formats were excellent.
The Right Call was about a 15 yo phenom pitcher. Much of the first half of the book tells the story of his dominance over his opponents and then his feelings as he is playing. Good stuff. However, the second half tells the story about what happens when his father makes a poor decision and the aftermath that follows. The last 30 mins of this book has me in tears. The lesson was so well written. This is a treat of a book. Intended for young readers but it would be a shame to miss as an adult. Excellent read.
The Right Call was about a 15 yo phenom pitcher. Much of the first half of the book tells the story of his dominance over his opponents and then his feelings as he is playing. Good stuff. However, the second half tells the story about what happens when his father makes a poor decision and the aftermath that follows. The last 30 mins of this book has me in tears. The lesson was so well written. This is a treat of a book. Intended for young readers but it would be a shame to miss as an adult. Excellent read.
August 6, 2025
I can't WAIT to booktalk this to students this fall! Sportsmanship toward officials is an incredibly important topic, and while we may not be able to teach some parents to act civilly, maybe this generation will be the one to turn things around.
The format of this and Game Changer are just perfect for how teens are reading these days - texts, transcripts, etc. So accessible.
Source: school library hardcover
The format of this and Game Changer are just perfect for how teens are reading these days - texts, transcripts, etc. So accessible.
Source: school library hardcover
May 20, 2025
excellent story; i think this is needed more for adult readers but middle schoolers will enjoy it also; i do like that the focus remained on Cal, rather than his dad after the incident. all the different epistolary styles may make it more accessible for some readers, but for me it was a distraction.
September 15, 2025
Solid upper middle grade/younger YA book about family relationships, big mistakes, and the power of forgiveness. A sweet little romance told mostly through text messages makes this one feel a bit older, and the main character is 15. For those who love baseball but have concerns about the youth game.
Read
September 29, 2025My 7th grader read this book for an upcoming project in his English class, so I decided to read it too so we could discuss it. I had no idea how great of a book it would be. It’s worth the read if you have kids in sports. I also this it’s worth the read for kids that are in sports. Great lessons and reminders woven throughout the story.
Read
March 30, 2025Wow. I never expected to finish this in a puddle of tears. This deep dive into the pressure on young phenoms tells the story in multiple formats from multiple perspectives and might be Mr. Greenwald's best yet. Don't miss this!
August 13, 2025
Perfect for our middle school collection. It has everything - a young athlete at the top of his game, a life-changing event, a nuanced story told through multiple POV and media, and a sneaky historical event casually lobbed into the final third.
November 7, 2025
I have a hard time finding books both I and my 9 year old enjoy. This was well written and well structured. And it was sports! Most essentially, it dealt with big issues in an un scary way. Plus, it was fun to read together!
November 11, 2025
A coming of age story about a baseball playing kid and the pressures that come along with that, for the whole family. I got this for my son who plays baseball, but as a parent, it also hit some sensitive spots.
May 24, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! A great lesson for all of us - “we are not as good as our best days, or as bad as our worst days”
September 2, 2025
A really compelling read about what happens when the pressures of Youth sports result in tragic consequences. Read through news articles, police reports, text messages as the story unfolds.
September 13, 2025
One of the best books about youth baseball.
October 28, 2025
An easy to read reminder for parents and kids on the purpose of sports. Parents, don't get too intense about it. This is a horror book about a crazed sports dad with a happy ending.
November 28, 2025
Good sports book, but goes deeper than that. I hope the lessons are not too obvious for kids to enjoy.
December 9, 2025
Explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents will go to make sure their kid comes out on top.
November 23, 2025
My first-every read of a story by Tommy Greenwald was a fascinating, page-turning one that would certainly have me reading much more from the US playwright and award-winning children's author.
The Right Call: A Game Changer Companion Novel delves into the growing epidemic of referee and umpire abuse that is endangering youth sports around the world. Parents getting so invested and involved in their children's performances and victories or defeats that officials are bullied, threatened, and worse. It's a topic I've seen covered in various ways over the years, including on TV in Law & Order episodes and the like, and Tommy Greenwald does a great job here providing a nuanced take for middle grade readers that isn't full of cliches or caricatures.
15-year-old Cal Klondike has become the star pitcher for his high school baseball team, but as his star rises and the attention and pressure grows, he begins loving the game a little less. Meanwhile his father, always supportive, starts taking Cal's baseball potential far more seriously than before. Especially as scouts start showing up at Cal's games. College, scholarships, even pro baseball? How far could Cal's star rise on the back of his electric arm and great pitching?
Tensions rises to the boil, leading to a confrontation that upends Cal's life, and the town.
Greenwald does a fantastic job setting the hook early, and conveying a really compelling story in an epistolary style, utilising a mixture of text messages, newspaper articles, and transcripts, etc. The author seems to have a really strong, authentic understanding of teenage concerns, ambitions, and conversations, alongside adult ones. Rather than having clear-cut heroes and villains he showcases that most people are neither all good or bad, but a mixture. Good people can make grievous errors.
While written primarily for adolescent and teenage readers, I think many adults will find a lot to really enjoy in THE RIGHT CALL, which is a great story about sport and life, about mental health, about what really matters, about mistakes and forgiveness, and about the humanity in all of us.
The Right Call: A Game Changer Companion Novel delves into the growing epidemic of referee and umpire abuse that is endangering youth sports around the world. Parents getting so invested and involved in their children's performances and victories or defeats that officials are bullied, threatened, and worse. It's a topic I've seen covered in various ways over the years, including on TV in Law & Order episodes and the like, and Tommy Greenwald does a great job here providing a nuanced take for middle grade readers that isn't full of cliches or caricatures.
15-year-old Cal Klondike has become the star pitcher for his high school baseball team, but as his star rises and the attention and pressure grows, he begins loving the game a little less. Meanwhile his father, always supportive, starts taking Cal's baseball potential far more seriously than before. Especially as scouts start showing up at Cal's games. College, scholarships, even pro baseball? How far could Cal's star rise on the back of his electric arm and great pitching?
Tensions rises to the boil, leading to a confrontation that upends Cal's life, and the town.
Greenwald does a fantastic job setting the hook early, and conveying a really compelling story in an epistolary style, utilising a mixture of text messages, newspaper articles, and transcripts, etc. The author seems to have a really strong, authentic understanding of teenage concerns, ambitions, and conversations, alongside adult ones. Rather than having clear-cut heroes and villains he showcases that most people are neither all good or bad, but a mixture. Good people can make grievous errors.
While written primarily for adolescent and teenage readers, I think many adults will find a lot to really enjoy in THE RIGHT CALL, which is a great story about sport and life, about mental health, about what really matters, about mistakes and forgiveness, and about the humanity in all of us.
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