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Clutch
Something incredible is happening in Montreal. Jackie Robinson is playing for the Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers' Triple-A team. As the first black man to sign a contract in modern organized baseball, Jackie's going to change the world. Just a short distance away, 12-year-old Joey Grosser has big plans, too. He's going to break out of the Plateau, his poor Jewish dump of a neighborhood, and make a better life for his mother and little brother on the other side of Park Avenue, where the rich people live. All he needs is money, and he's got plenty of ideas on how to get it. But every step forward is two steps back, and he turns to the wrong man for help.
One decision will determine Joey's fate-and whether he’ll live long enough to see Jackie Robinson make baseball history.
One decision will determine Joey's fate-and whether he’ll live long enough to see Jackie Robinson make baseball history.
240 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2017
5 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Heather Camlot
12 books43 followersHeather grew up in Montreal and was raised on Expos baseball and Canadiens hockey. Oddly, she was never a sporty child. She preferred reading, drawing and dreaming.
She graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and from New York University with a Master of Arts in Journalism. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Quill & Quire, Style at Home, Canadian Living, The Globe and Mail, Homemakers and TV Guide Canada.
After fifteen years in journalism as a writer, editor and translator, she longed to get back to fiction, something she used to write as a teenager. Her short story, The Boys of Summer, won the 17th Annual Writing for Children Competition held by CANSCAIP and The Writers’ Union of Canada. Clutch is her first novel.
She lives in Toronto with her husband and two kids.
She graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and from New York University with a Master of Arts in Journalism. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Quill & Quire, Style at Home, Canadian Living, The Globe and Mail, Homemakers and TV Guide Canada.
After fifteen years in journalism as a writer, editor and translator, she longed to get back to fiction, something she used to write as a teenager. Her short story, The Boys of Summer, won the 17th Annual Writing for Children Competition held by CANSCAIP and The Writers’ Union of Canada. Clutch is her first novel.
She lives in Toronto with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 30, 2017
A book for all ages!
Clutch is a book that will make you laugh, cry and will keep you on your toes the entire time . Would highly recommend to anyone.
Clutch is a book that will make you laugh, cry and will keep you on your toes the entire time . Would highly recommend to anyone.
May 30, 2018
3.5 stars
Set in the late 1940s, Clutch tells the story of a boy named Joey who lives in Montreal's Plateau neighborhood. Joey has a lot on his plate - he's busy studying for his bar mitzvah, trying to watch over his little brother, run the family grocery store and is desperately trying to find ways to make enough money to move his family into the wealthy Westmount neighborhood.
As someone born and raised in Montreal, I adored the setting of this book. I loved the little references to things like Schwartz's and Fletcher's Field (aka Parc Jeanne-Mance) and Mont-Royal. The story itself was good - starts off a little slow but eventually picks up and has a solid, heartwarming ending. I enjoyed the writing style and felt Joey, the protagonist and narrator, had a strong voice.
That said, I do think the synopsis/marketing for Clutch is a bit misleading. This isn't really a book about baseball, nor is it a book about Jackie Robinson. Each chapter begins with a quote from a sports article, Joey's little brother is obsessed with baseball and Jackie Robinson is a background figure occasionally referenced (often awkwardly) - that's it. Based on the synopsis, I was expecting more information about Jackie Robinson's career, maybe even two parallel stories (Joey's + Jackie's) or plotlines that intersect .. but that's not the case. The baseball bits actually felt a bit gimmicky to me, so that was disappointing.
I was also disappointed that the author didn't use Jackie's story to dig deep into some really important themes/issues like racism and segregation. There were a few scenes where readers are told that "not everybody liked Jackie" or "Jackie was boo'ed and called names when he stepped up to bat" ... but there was so much more that could have been discussed here. A missed opportunity, I think.
Overall, though, a fun read with a good moral.
If I were a teacher, especially a teacher in or around Montreal, I would definitely have my class read this.
Set in the late 1940s, Clutch tells the story of a boy named Joey who lives in Montreal's Plateau neighborhood. Joey has a lot on his plate - he's busy studying for his bar mitzvah, trying to watch over his little brother, run the family grocery store and is desperately trying to find ways to make enough money to move his family into the wealthy Westmount neighborhood.
As someone born and raised in Montreal, I adored the setting of this book. I loved the little references to things like Schwartz's and Fletcher's Field (aka Parc Jeanne-Mance) and Mont-Royal. The story itself was good - starts off a little slow but eventually picks up and has a solid, heartwarming ending. I enjoyed the writing style and felt Joey, the protagonist and narrator, had a strong voice.
That said, I do think the synopsis/marketing for Clutch is a bit misleading. This isn't really a book about baseball, nor is it a book about Jackie Robinson. Each chapter begins with a quote from a sports article, Joey's little brother is obsessed with baseball and Jackie Robinson is a background figure occasionally referenced (often awkwardly) - that's it. Based on the synopsis, I was expecting more information about Jackie Robinson's career, maybe even two parallel stories (Joey's + Jackie's) or plotlines that intersect .. but that's not the case. The baseball bits actually felt a bit gimmicky to me, so that was disappointing.
I was also disappointed that the author didn't use Jackie's story to dig deep into some really important themes/issues like racism and segregation. There were a few scenes where readers are told that "not everybody liked Jackie" or "Jackie was boo'ed and called names when he stepped up to bat" ... but there was so much more that could have been discussed here. A missed opportunity, I think.
Overall, though, a fun read with a good moral.
If I were a teacher, especially a teacher in or around Montreal, I would definitely have my class read this.
December 5, 2017
This is an interesting historical look at Montreal. I did feel the Jackie Robinson elements were a bit too tenuous for my tastes. Still a good look at children dealing with the harshness of life.
November 30, 2019
Fantastic debut novel for this Canadian author. Written for the emerging young adult reader, a book about values, family, being true to yourself and just being a kid: don't grow up too fast!
Joey has recently lost his father, a tough time in 1946 for many and for him, his mom and little brother David, a very tough go at being a kid, running the family grocery, studying for bar mitvah and living in the Jewish 'hood in Montreal. It's also the era of Jackie Robinson playing for the first time with the Royals, the beloved baseball team in Montreal.
Camlot begins each chapter with a quote taken from the sports pages at the time about Robinson, his stellar plays, his being called all sorts of names, having things thrown at him all because he is a black ball player in a white league. Joey finds inspiration in what Robinson does, what he achieves, how he perseveres. David, especially, is an avid fan of Robinson and the whole team so the ending is very sweet, indeed.
So many wonderful characters bring this book to life, the setting sets it apart with the colours, sights and smells of bagels, yiddish, older neighbours who have come from the old country to a better life, so many struggling to live after the Holocaust, and then there are Joey's friends Ben, Shelly, Dr. Richter, Mr. Friedman and many others. And there is temptation in the form of Ben's wicked dad, Mr. Wolfe, a career criminal who offers Joey a way out of credit.
This is truly a coming of age story, wonderfully written, offering exactly topics that will interest young readers: sports, friends, family, doing the right thing no mater what, and really, enjoying being a kid.
I look forward to more books from this excellent children's writer.
Joey has recently lost his father, a tough time in 1946 for many and for him, his mom and little brother David, a very tough go at being a kid, running the family grocery, studying for bar mitvah and living in the Jewish 'hood in Montreal. It's also the era of Jackie Robinson playing for the first time with the Royals, the beloved baseball team in Montreal.
Camlot begins each chapter with a quote taken from the sports pages at the time about Robinson, his stellar plays, his being called all sorts of names, having things thrown at him all because he is a black ball player in a white league. Joey finds inspiration in what Robinson does, what he achieves, how he perseveres. David, especially, is an avid fan of Robinson and the whole team so the ending is very sweet, indeed.
So many wonderful characters bring this book to life, the setting sets it apart with the colours, sights and smells of bagels, yiddish, older neighbours who have come from the old country to a better life, so many struggling to live after the Holocaust, and then there are Joey's friends Ben, Shelly, Dr. Richter, Mr. Friedman and many others. And there is temptation in the form of Ben's wicked dad, Mr. Wolfe, a career criminal who offers Joey a way out of credit.
This is truly a coming of age story, wonderfully written, offering exactly topics that will interest young readers: sports, friends, family, doing the right thing no mater what, and really, enjoying being a kid.
I look forward to more books from this excellent children's writer.
February 25, 2018
I loved this book. It was fantastic.
Ugh... there, I said it...
I was hoping to leave a review riddled with derisive comments and contemptuous commentary, but alas, I can't. The book was too enjoyable.
As a fellow Silver Birch Nominee, I started a smear campaign on all the other books nominated for this award. An easy and honorable way to win, right? So far my campaign has not gone well. The other books are too good.
This book had everything I like: Good character development, a character to hate (Mr. Wolfe), a character to love (Ben... David... Mr. Abelson... Shelly... ok, more than one...) and something to learn. As an avid baseball fan, I had heard of Jackie Robinson (everyone in the MLB wears his number one day of every season) but this book made me want to learn more. And I didn't know he played in Montreal.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, but especially someone who likes baseball. It is written for middle grade readers, but I think older children would like it too. Heck, I liked it and I'm a very big child.
I look forward to reading more by Heather Camlot and meeting her in person at the Forest of Reading festival in Toronto.
- Alex
PS This book took me a long time to read... but had nothing to do with the book and everything to do with our 4th baby being born. I have learned it is impossible to read when your eyes spontaneously close at all hours of the day...
Ugh... there, I said it...
I was hoping to leave a review riddled with derisive comments and contemptuous commentary, but alas, I can't. The book was too enjoyable.
As a fellow Silver Birch Nominee, I started a smear campaign on all the other books nominated for this award. An easy and honorable way to win, right? So far my campaign has not gone well. The other books are too good.
This book had everything I like: Good character development, a character to hate (Mr. Wolfe), a character to love (Ben... David... Mr. Abelson... Shelly... ok, more than one...) and something to learn. As an avid baseball fan, I had heard of Jackie Robinson (everyone in the MLB wears his number one day of every season) but this book made me want to learn more. And I didn't know he played in Montreal.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, but especially someone who likes baseball. It is written for middle grade readers, but I think older children would like it too. Heck, I liked it and I'm a very big child.
I look forward to reading more by Heather Camlot and meeting her in person at the Forest of Reading festival in Toronto.
- Alex
PS This book took me a long time to read... but had nothing to do with the book and everything to do with our 4th baby being born. I have learned it is impossible to read when your eyes spontaneously close at all hours of the day...
October 26, 2018
This story was fun and intriguing for me to read because it mixes the struggles and challenges of what it took for Jackie Robinson to play in the white world of baseball with a 12 year old Jewish's boy's struggle of coping with having lost his Dad and having to feel responsible for his younger brother and mother. He is also preparing for his bar mitzvah. I had some connections with this story. Joey's dad came from Russia. My grandfather Joseph came from Russia. Joey had to run the store after his father's death. My grandfather ran a deli and died relatively young in my father's life, too, albeit my father never had to run the deli. The story is set in Montreal which ultimately sounded a lot like New York in 1946 when my dad had just had his bar mitzvah too. This story has a happy ending. I like happy endings. The author ties together historical events and characters nicely. Jackie Robinson is in the book only through the eyes of a Joey's 6 year old brother, David, and each chapter starts with a quote from a sports reporter regarding Jackie Robinson. It's a very clever way to look at the world through those kinds of struggles.
August 23, 2018
When Joey's father passes away suddenly, he feels the burden and pressure of maintaining the family's store and supporting the family. Joey has dreams of moving to a more affluent neighbourhood and fancies himself a smart, tough businessman. Joey's little brother, David, is a tremendous baseball fan, especially the trailblazer, Jackie Robinson. Things go awry for Joey when he loses sight of what is important in his quest for money.
I found Clutch slow to get going, but worth sticking it out for. (However, my 9 year old daughter, who gave up on the novel mid-way, disagrees.) I also think the cover and even the title to some degree (mostly when paired with the cover) are not the best choice. By the cover, Clutch appears to be a book with heavy baseball themes or plot, but it really isn't. I am concerned that many young readers will not be drawn to the novel, which really is more of a coming of age story with themes of friendship, family, loss, and honour.
Short-listed for the 2019 MYRCA Sundogs.
I found Clutch slow to get going, but worth sticking it out for. (However, my 9 year old daughter, who gave up on the novel mid-way, disagrees.) I also think the cover and even the title to some degree (mostly when paired with the cover) are not the best choice. By the cover, Clutch appears to be a book with heavy baseball themes or plot, but it really isn't. I am concerned that many young readers will not be drawn to the novel, which really is more of a coming of age story with themes of friendship, family, loss, and honour.
Short-listed for the 2019 MYRCA Sundogs.
May 1, 2024
Joey Grosser is just 12, but he has big plans. He's not yet had his Bar Mitzvah but after losing his dad to a heart attack, he's had to become the man of the family. He wants to do better than his father ever did, make money and move his mom and baseball-obsessed brother out of their dumpy neighborhood to the wealthy side of Park Avenue. But his big dreams have him turning to a shady, dangerous character, nearly losing sight of what's really important. I really enjoyed this historical middle-grade novel set in 1949 in Montreal's largely Jewish (at the time) Plateau district. The baseball connection was at times a little thin (I loved his little brother's fandom of Jackie Robinson but didn't always see the link between each chapter's opening quote and the action that followed) But seeing Joey's post-war Canadian Jewish world come alive beautifully echoed stories I have heard from my own parents and grandparents of living in this neighborhood in the 1930s and 1940s. Lots of meaty issues for young readers, too.
January 9, 2018
Joey's father has just passed away and he feels as if he is now responsible for running their grocery store and securing the family finances. The novel is set in the 40's when Jackie Robinson was playing for the Montreal Royals. There are some great elements: the depiction of the Jewish neighbourhood is charming with a cast of realistic characters. The historical aspect is also done well by using the expressions of the time period such as Great! Swell!
Although the beginning is rather slow and the cover gives you the impression that the book is all about baseball, it is really a heart warming, coming of age story that is highly recommended for middle grade readers.
Although the beginning is rather slow and the cover gives you the impression that the book is all about baseball, it is really a heart warming, coming of age story that is highly recommended for middle grade readers.
June 5, 2018
Clutch completely transports the reader in the Montreal of the 1940's with a roster of shady characters, moving pictures, bar mitzvah celebrations, streetcars and long forgotten diseases. It uses baseball as a mirror and a backdrop but it's so much MORE than a story about baseball! The story of Joey, 12, is one of struggle, but also of self-discovery and coming of age. A beautiful chapter book for middle grade readers!
December 17, 2017
3.5 stars. A bit of a slow start. But I’m so happy I stuck with it. Not so much a story of baseball; rather a coming-of-age set in Montreal in the late 1940’s. Lots of things to discuss with this one.
October 8, 2024
This book was a winner on every level. My son and I devoured it together! Jackie's story is one that can never be forgotten, and this is a perfect testament to his legacy. The protagonist, Joey, is a relatable and unforgettable kid. You'll keep turning the pages with this one.
December 21, 2017
A moving coming-of-age story about baseball, love, death and manhood set in post-World War II Montreal.
March 17, 2018
This book has a quick hook, wonderful voices and unexpected turns. I loved the imagery of old-town Montreal and the side line story of Jackie Robinson. A fabulous read!
March 27, 2018
Soft novel great for tween.
May 4, 2018
it wasnt aboyut baseball which was disapointing to me
December 9, 2024
I will always love this book. It does such a good job at representing peoples different circumstances that illustrates the cruelty of our world. BEAUTIFUL!!
December 3, 2017
This is an entertaining well-written book for a young reader, and would make an excellent gift.
January 1, 2018
When his father dies from a heart attack, twelve and a half year old Joey tries to find ways to earn money to support the family. Along the way, he discovers the reliability of friends, the value of hard work, and necessary of finding balance in one’s life. The author did a fine job intermixing Joey’s coming of age story with baseball sayings and Jackie Robinson’s career laying baseball in Montreal.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 15, 2023
1) Joey is such a little entrepreneur! I love all his plans. And he's a pretty good brother to young David (a kid obsessed with Jackie Robinson). Every time Ben's bad dad showed up, I wanted to chase him away and protect Joey.
2) I always love learning a bit of history I never knew before. This book sort of revolves around the time that baseball legend, Jackie Robinson, was playing in the minor leagues in Montreal, Canada. (Who knew he played in Montreal???) However, note that Jackie Robinson isn't really a character in the story. Instead, the little brother David is the one obsessed with baseball.
3) There's a sweet little romance between Joey and his "crush" Shelly. They're both studying for their bar mitzvah (bat mitzvah for Shelly). I'm not super crazy about middle school romance, but this was handle just about right!
4) I like the different characters that Joey has to learn to trust (or not trust). Especially with regards to Mr. Wolfe and Dr. Richter.
FINAL THOUGHTS
An interesting look at life in 1940s Montreal... A true coming-of-age story, you will be rooting for Joey... future businessman of the world. As long as he learns to stay away from trouble.
2) I always love learning a bit of history I never knew before. This book sort of revolves around the time that baseball legend, Jackie Robinson, was playing in the minor leagues in Montreal, Canada. (Who knew he played in Montreal???) However, note that Jackie Robinson isn't really a character in the story. Instead, the little brother David is the one obsessed with baseball.
3) There's a sweet little romance between Joey and his "crush" Shelly. They're both studying for their bar mitzvah (bat mitzvah for Shelly). I'm not super crazy about middle school romance, but this was handle just about right!
4) I like the different characters that Joey has to learn to trust (or not trust). Especially with regards to Mr. Wolfe and Dr. Richter.
FINAL THOUGHTS
An interesting look at life in 1940s Montreal... A true coming-of-age story, you will be rooting for Joey... future businessman of the world. As long as he learns to stay away from trouble.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews