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The Contract #3
Derek Jeter Middle Grade #3
In the third book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade series inspired by the life of iconic New York Yankee Derek Jeter, Derek’s father keeps his promise to coach his son’s youth baseball team.
Derek is sure this will be the best season yet! He has it all planned—his dad will have him start at shortstop, and the team will cruise to a championship. But sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Change Up focuses on a key life lesson of Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation—Deal with Growing Pains—in the series companion to Hit & Miss and The Contract, about which The Wall Street Journal said, “the play by play action is exciting and the lessons many.”
Derek is sure this will be the best season yet! He has it all planned—his dad will have him start at shortstop, and the team will cruise to a championship. But sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Change Up focuses on a key life lesson of Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation—Deal with Growing Pains—in the series companion to Hit & Miss and The Contract, about which The Wall Street Journal said, “the play by play action is exciting and the lessons many.”
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First published April 26, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 7, 2016
I thought that this book was great. This book was about Derek Jeter. This book was about his little league team and how there was this boy was annoying Derek and his dad punished Derek.
After that Derek helped the kid get better at baseball.
After that Derek helped the kid get better at baseball.
October 5, 2018
Most of the world’s most popular authors make the personalities of the characters pop right through the page. In “Change Up” by, Derek Jeter, he’s able to do exactly that.
Reading the book “Change Up” by, Derek Jeter I started to wish that I was treated the way Derek wanted to be. Derek wanted to be the star of the show, in which he thought he was going to be with his father coaching. My dad did the same thing, although I did play in positions I enjoyed playing at, I played a lot of outfield too. I am sure that the thoughts running through my mind when I was out there were very similar to Derek’s. Constantly asking why my Dad isn’t placing me where I want to be. This taught me the same lesson it taught Derek, never expect life to hand you what you want.
Also, while reading I realized that life doesn’t always hand you what you’d expect. For example, Derek’s father was the coach of Derek’s baseball team, this meant that Derek expected to play shortstop every game, instead he gets placed in the outfield. Derek says that he understands the importance of every position but wants to play another, but his father continues to put him out there. This is the exact opposite of what Jeter expected which shows you can’t assume things will always go your way. As a result Derek’s father is able to teach Derek a lesson, even though Derek was angry at him along the way.
Whilst reading this novel, I also wondered about why Mr. Jeter didn’t put his son at the desired position. In the book Derek asks this question and Mr. Jeter constantly tells him he needs to play multiple positions, not just shortstop. You would think Mr. Jeter would favor his son, but in a way he is, Derek just does realize it yet. Derek’s Dad isn’t favoring his son at this time, but for a much more important time, his future. Derek doesn’t know it yet, but learning this lesson is part of the reason he was able to achieve what he achieved.
As I was reading through the novel “Change Up” I started to see the personality of Derek and his father shine through the pages. Derek came out to be a determined baseball player that if he didn’t get what he wanted on the field, he’d fight for it. While his father was a very smart man who had a high baseball IQ and was in position to help his son whether he liked it or not. Derek’s father had a very mischievous and under cover way of helping his son. Throwing him at shortstop every game would have been too blaintain and would have only helped Derek’s attitude at that moment, Mr. Jeter was more worried about his son’s future, which is a very smart move on his part. This proves that Mr. Jeter’s personality is strong and that he is a very smart man.
This book made me believe that Derek was not happy with his father’s decisions but acknowledged his father's doings positively with this novel. At the time Derek was very unhappy with his dad’s decision to place him in the outfield, but the decision plays a big role in what would turn out to be a magical future. This series of books by Derek Jeter teaches lessons through a story that actually took place in Derek’s life, and out of the three I’ve read, this is the most important. Never expect the positive, expect the negative and appreciate the positive. Derek took the negative when expecting the positive, and that hurt him at the time. But when he received the positive in the end he’s very happy. This lead me to believe that Derek was determined to get what he wanted, but his father was never going to give in, but when he did he knew Derek would be ecstatic.
This novel made me feel that Derek’s Dad was tough, and Derek couldn’t break through him. Throughout the entire book Derek is trying to break his father, but he just can’t. Mr. Jeter was as persistent as anyone can be, and didn’t crack until the very end. While reading I was constantly perplexed at why Mr. Jeter never gave in. Was he trying to be a good father? This is the question that was running through my head, and at the time of reading the answer was no. But after putting much thought into it, by being tough he was able to help his son more than he would have if he just gave in.
Finally, the biggest thought running through my mind whilst reading the novel; this book made me hope that Mr. Jeter would just give in. Obviously reading, I know what this kid would turn into, (A professional shortstop). Why wouldn’t his father just give in. Throughout the book my stomach is turning just anticipating the moment his father will give in. It almost never happens. This led me to read and read hoping that on one of these pages he will get what he desires, but no. It takes almost 200 pages for it to happen. But then I think, there’s a reason he turned into a professional shortstop. It’s not all natural skill. It’s also the lessons he learned throughout his life, and his father was a big part of it.
Reading the book “Change Up” by, Derek Jeter I started to wish that I was treated the way Derek wanted to be. Derek wanted to be the star of the show, in which he thought he was going to be with his father coaching. My dad did the same thing, although I did play in positions I enjoyed playing at, I played a lot of outfield too. I am sure that the thoughts running through my mind when I was out there were very similar to Derek’s. Constantly asking why my Dad isn’t placing me where I want to be. This taught me the same lesson it taught Derek, never expect life to hand you what you want.
Also, while reading I realized that life doesn’t always hand you what you’d expect. For example, Derek’s father was the coach of Derek’s baseball team, this meant that Derek expected to play shortstop every game, instead he gets placed in the outfield. Derek says that he understands the importance of every position but wants to play another, but his father continues to put him out there. This is the exact opposite of what Jeter expected which shows you can’t assume things will always go your way. As a result Derek’s father is able to teach Derek a lesson, even though Derek was angry at him along the way.
Whilst reading this novel, I also wondered about why Mr. Jeter didn’t put his son at the desired position. In the book Derek asks this question and Mr. Jeter constantly tells him he needs to play multiple positions, not just shortstop. You would think Mr. Jeter would favor his son, but in a way he is, Derek just does realize it yet. Derek’s Dad isn’t favoring his son at this time, but for a much more important time, his future. Derek doesn’t know it yet, but learning this lesson is part of the reason he was able to achieve what he achieved.
As I was reading through the novel “Change Up” I started to see the personality of Derek and his father shine through the pages. Derek came out to be a determined baseball player that if he didn’t get what he wanted on the field, he’d fight for it. While his father was a very smart man who had a high baseball IQ and was in position to help his son whether he liked it or not. Derek’s father had a very mischievous and under cover way of helping his son. Throwing him at shortstop every game would have been too blaintain and would have only helped Derek’s attitude at that moment, Mr. Jeter was more worried about his son’s future, which is a very smart move on his part. This proves that Mr. Jeter’s personality is strong and that he is a very smart man.
This book made me believe that Derek was not happy with his father’s decisions but acknowledged his father's doings positively with this novel. At the time Derek was very unhappy with his dad’s decision to place him in the outfield, but the decision plays a big role in what would turn out to be a magical future. This series of books by Derek Jeter teaches lessons through a story that actually took place in Derek’s life, and out of the three I’ve read, this is the most important. Never expect the positive, expect the negative and appreciate the positive. Derek took the negative when expecting the positive, and that hurt him at the time. But when he received the positive in the end he’s very happy. This lead me to believe that Derek was determined to get what he wanted, but his father was never going to give in, but when he did he knew Derek would be ecstatic.
This novel made me feel that Derek’s Dad was tough, and Derek couldn’t break through him. Throughout the entire book Derek is trying to break his father, but he just can’t. Mr. Jeter was as persistent as anyone can be, and didn’t crack until the very end. While reading I was constantly perplexed at why Mr. Jeter never gave in. Was he trying to be a good father? This is the question that was running through my head, and at the time of reading the answer was no. But after putting much thought into it, by being tough he was able to help his son more than he would have if he just gave in.
Finally, the biggest thought running through my mind whilst reading the novel; this book made me hope that Mr. Jeter would just give in. Obviously reading, I know what this kid would turn into, (A professional shortstop). Why wouldn’t his father just give in. Throughout the book my stomach is turning just anticipating the moment his father will give in. It almost never happens. This led me to read and read hoping that on one of these pages he will get what he desires, but no. It takes almost 200 pages for it to happen. But then I think, there’s a reason he turned into a professional shortstop. It’s not all natural skill. It’s also the lessons he learned throughout his life, and his father was a big part of it.
May 11, 2017
Derek Jeter's amazing book change up shows how hard he had to work on his life struggles. this book is really inspiring and teaches many lessons to the younger ones. If you are a baseball fan, then I recommend this book because it shows how one of the worlds best players had to work really hard; not only on his game, but on his social aspects as well.
At first, Derek is really excited to have his dad finally coach his team because his dad is, "the best coach ever". But then things take a turn for the worst when Derek discovers that Gary Parnel, the one who thinks baseball is stupid, the one who competes with Derek, the one who hates all physical activities, is on his team. If this wasn't bad enough already, Gary was PURPOSELY sabotaging Dereks chance at finally winning the championship. Derek then has to learn that he can't let Gary distract him so he takes a huge risk that, luckily, ends up going to his favor. Gary now has to go to batting practice with Derek and this 1 hour batting practice changed the entire season.
At first, Derek is really excited to have his dad finally coach his team because his dad is, "the best coach ever". But then things take a turn for the worst when Derek discovers that Gary Parnel, the one who thinks baseball is stupid, the one who competes with Derek, the one who hates all physical activities, is on his team. If this wasn't bad enough already, Gary was PURPOSELY sabotaging Dereks chance at finally winning the championship. Derek then has to learn that he can't let Gary distract him so he takes a huge risk that, luckily, ends up going to his favor. Gary now has to go to batting practice with Derek and this 1 hour batting practice changed the entire season.
February 8, 2018
The problem in this book is that Harry is on the team and is just not helping the team. When the Indians start 0-3 It's up to Derek, to get Garry helping the team physically and mentally. Garry and Derek are in the same school class once again and make a bet, If Derek can get a better score on the test than garry that Garry has to come to the batting cages with Derek and his dad, but if Garry got the better score than Derek had to go to math camp with him that summer.
First Garry is a being a snot and goofing around at practice, so not only does the team not get the practice time they but then Derek is getting in trouble for it. After games start the Indians go 0-3 because of Garry's acid. As a result Garry gets more bench time. Finally Garry's attitude about everything changes and they start to win games. Garry and Derek mad a bet if Garry got higher he got to take Derek to math camp with him, however if Derek won than he Garry had to go to the batting cages with Derek and his dad. So Derek studied really hard. As a result Derek got one hundred percent on his test. Finley Gary had to come to the batting cages.
I really liked this book, one of the reason it was nice to see Gary get involved into something he didn't normally due. I also liked it because I got to see that my favorite baseball player of all time was playing positions like catcher, outfielder, and pitcher. I also liked it because he learns that if you are the coaches son you don't always have to play your favorite position. I liked it because even though he did complain he didn't stop trying at whatever position he played at.
First Garry is a being a snot and goofing around at practice, so not only does the team not get the practice time they but then Derek is getting in trouble for it. After games start the Indians go 0-3 because of Garry's acid. As a result Garry gets more bench time. Finally Garry's attitude about everything changes and they start to win games. Garry and Derek mad a bet if Garry got higher he got to take Derek to math camp with him, however if Derek won than he Garry had to go to the batting cages with Derek and his dad. So Derek studied really hard. As a result Derek got one hundred percent on his test. Finley Gary had to come to the batting cages.
I really liked this book, one of the reason it was nice to see Gary get involved into something he didn't normally due. I also liked it because I got to see that my favorite baseball player of all time was playing positions like catcher, outfielder, and pitcher. I also liked it because he learns that if you are the coaches son you don't always have to play your favorite position. I liked it because even though he did complain he didn't stop trying at whatever position he played at.
October 24, 2017
I thought that "Derek Jeter Change Up" was a really good book. It dealt with Derek not getting everything he wants on his baseball team. His Dad is coaching his baseball team for the first time and he thinks he will be able to get everything he wants on his baseball team. Derek learns that this not true because he didn't get the number he wanted and he didn't get to play shortstop the whole time. Derek also thought his team was going to be really good with his Dad coaching but they start out the season by going 0-3 and Derek didn't think his team would get any better. Derek also has to deal with a kid named Gary who was on his team for the first time and he had never played baseball before. Derek knew Gary from school and they would always compete to see who gets a higher grade on tests and quizzes. Derek did not like how Gary didn't care about baseball at all and would do things to make the team lose. Derek's team would eventually get better and they would start to win games. Gary would also start to get better and would start to help the team win. Derek also taught his friend Dave to throw a change up and that would help Dave be a better pitcher and help Derek's team win through his pitching. Derek's team would get much better and they ended up making it all the way to the championship game. I thought that this book was really good and dealt with a lot of baseball things which I really liked.
July 13, 2025
The overall plot is predictable, the baseball scenes are simultaneously boring and impossible to follow, and the book just...ends without any sort of real conclusion. Don't get me started on the characters, either.
tl;dr: Nope. Even the ghost writer couldn't save this one.
tl;dr: Nope. Even the ghost writer couldn't save this one.
May 16, 2017
Derek Jeter's book series for middle grade students is just excellent. This, Change Up is the 3rd book in the series which is based on his contract with is parents and the main characteristics he stresses within his Turn2 Organization.
This book deals with the concept of playing as a team, helping others to "get along", sportsmanship and competitiveness. The reader begins to learn that you can not win at baseball by only thinking of yourself but by becoming a team can lead to championships.
Every book in this series thus far has taught and promoted many of the excellent qualities needed to succeed, not just in baseball, but in real life.
This book deals with the concept of playing as a team, helping others to "get along", sportsmanship and competitiveness. The reader begins to learn that you can not win at baseball by only thinking of yourself but by becoming a team can lead to championships.
Every book in this series thus far has taught and promoted many of the excellent qualities needed to succeed, not just in baseball, but in real life.
May 10, 2018
This book is a good book for all kind of ages and it really teaches you to love the game of baseball. It had some interesting facts about what Derek Jeter had to go through in baseball such as kids messing around when his dad was talking and one kid who would make Derek mad and he would not do so well. It talks about life challenges and what is ahead of you because it is even worse in the pros because of all the people who are fighting for you're spot. It talks about Derek's life, his family, and the struggles of being the coaches son because you should set a hire standard than the rest of the kids because you have been taught by him and been raised with respect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
Derek and his family have a contract of rules for living life, including being respectful to adults and not causing trouble for his teammates. He doesn't think this will be a problem, especially when his dad finally agrees to coach his Little League team. Derek wasn't expecting his archrival, Gary, to become his new teammate, though! Now he needs to figure out how to help his team get to the playoffs and avoid breaking every rule in his contract because if he breaks it, he'll no longer be able to play.
If you like sports books or are a fan of Derek Jeter, give this one a go.
If you like sports books or are a fan of Derek Jeter, give this one a go.
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November 24, 2025I like this book because I like sports. I chose this book cause I like baseball and I like reading sports books. After the first time you read it, it kind of gets old. But it is still a good book cause it talks about highs and lows in the book which makes it better.
SPOILERS
I like how in the book the main character has a contract that he has to follow like doing chores, being kind, being respectful, etc. I also like how in the book he has a friend that is really tall and can hit the ball super far. He can also pitch fast and accurate after getting some practice in.
SPOILERS
I like how in the book the main character has a contract that he has to follow like doing chores, being kind, being respectful, etc. I also like how in the book he has a friend that is really tall and can hit the ball super far. He can also pitch fast and accurate after getting some practice in.
March 28, 2020
Do you love baseball? If so, then you would love Change-Up. This book is about the interesting childhood of Derek Jeter. This book is told from the perspective of Derek when he was a kid. In this book, Derek learns how to be a leader. He guides his team to a championship. Derek shows his teammates that if you work together you can accomplish anything. This book taught me to never give up and that hard work pays off.
January 6, 2018
Derek is in 5th grade, and his task is to help
his teammates learn the game. He helps teach David how to pitch, and his class nemesis, Gary, how to catch, field, and hit. He plays for the Indians this season, often playing shortstop, and his dad is his coach finally.
The Contract and what he needs to abide by is at the heart of all of these books.
his teammates learn the game. He helps teach David how to pitch, and his class nemesis, Gary, how to catch, field, and hit. He plays for the Indians this season, often playing shortstop, and his dad is his coach finally.
The Contract and what he needs to abide by is at the heart of all of these books.
April 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book because Derek Jeter was a great player and a great guy. When you read about his story in this book and all the people who thought that he could never do it and made fun of him for thinking he wanted to be shortstop. Derek also had a great family life he had to do well in school and make sure he was doing what he was told.
June 3, 2021
Great book! D & I read this book may 2021, right as he was playing baseball for the first time. He’s had a great start to his season and this book was the perfect book to read along with his real life experience. Great lessons to take away from this book. It’s very positive.
March 8, 2022
This book is about Derek Jeter as a child in his baseball little league. The book is very good for people that like baseball. In the book Jeter goes through many ups and downs such as a hitting slump and being in trouble. Overall I think It’s a very good book.
June 8, 2017
great book
September 6, 2017
I liked this book because it talks about one of my favorite baseball players. Also I like because it was good and it talk a lot about Derek Jeter like stuff i didn't know about him.
September 8, 2017
you will like this book if u like baseball or derek jeter
March 5, 2021
Very good book
May 24, 2025
Way better than the last 3.4 stars
January 16, 2018
Really good book actually. Best book in the series.
January 29, 2018
Jeter Does it Again!
I have always been a fan of the Derek Jeter book series, and I received this book for Christmas. This book continues to talk about the childhood of Derek Jeter, and I must say it was just as good as the first two. Derek's dad has finally agreed to coach his little league team, and Derek thinks this will be the year they win it all.
This book was very entertaining and a nice quick read. I read it in one day. The authors craft is not what you might find in a higher level book, but for the age group intended it is very good. I would recommend this book the readers who enjoy sports, baseball specifically. All in all, if you are looking for a good, quick read, Check out Change Up by Derek Jeter.
I have always been a fan of the Derek Jeter book series, and I received this book for Christmas. This book continues to talk about the childhood of Derek Jeter, and I must say it was just as good as the first two. Derek's dad has finally agreed to coach his little league team, and Derek thinks this will be the year they win it all.
This book was very entertaining and a nice quick read. I read it in one day. The authors craft is not what you might find in a higher level book, but for the age group intended it is very good. I would recommend this book the readers who enjoy sports, baseball specifically. All in all, if you are looking for a good, quick read, Check out Change Up by Derek Jeter.
January 10, 2017
Derek can't wait for the baseball season to start. His dad has finally decided to coach his team. Derek has big plans for the season, but he soon finds out that not all plans work out the way you want them to. This baseball season Derek is determined to be a great team player and hoping to get his teammates on board. This story is a great baseball story that also teaches you the importance about not giving up.
January 12, 2018
Derek is so happy that his dad has agreed to finally coach his team, but is in for a surprise because of the kids on his team and his dads coaching techniques he has to pull through and have the greatest season of his little league career.
September 16, 2016
Derek can't wait for the baseball season to start. His dad has finally decided to coach his team. Derek has big plans for the season, but he soon finds out that not all plans work out the way you want them to. Thru it all, Derek is determined to be a great team player and hoping to get his teammates on board. This story is a great baseball story that also teaches you the importance about not giving up.
October 16, 2016
Loved it! Jackson and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
May 6, 2019
i liked it
November 14, 2016
This was my favorite Derek meter book. Derek showed how good he was off the field and on. He helped his teammates get better and made a new friend.
January 28, 2020
Change Up is a very good read if you are into baseball. I would highly recommend reading the first two books in the series first, however.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews