Batboy The Unbreakable Record [TRADE PAPER ]

A heartwarming tale of baseball, friendship, and overcoming adversity in 1930s Cincinnati.

Twelve-year-old Richie Goodwin's life takes an unexpected turn when his family faces financial hardship, and he must find a job. He lands a dream position as batboy for the Cincinnati Reds, but his challenges are just beginning. Richie faces a bossy senior batboy, strict rules, and the daunting task of convincing his schoolmates that his new job is real.

After breaking a clubhouse rule, Richie is fired, and his reputation is on the line. Given a second chance, he learns the importance of following rules and witnesses baseball history as Johnny Vander Meer sets an unbreakable record. This story is perfect for middle grade readers interested in:

• Baseball history
• Friendship
• Overcoming bullying

"Robert Skead conveys compelling and credible detail in characters, dialogue and events while concisely capturing an accomplishment that baseball fans of all ages rightfully marvel over nine decades later." —William Weinbaum, ESPN Journalist"It is a wonderful story of personal growth in adolescence."—Annie Mapes, LSW, Anti-Bullying Specialist"It is heart-warming to see a story like this can be written for us today."—CF Payne, Illustrator and Cincinnati Reds fan"Rob Skead conjures a delightful story, combining an historic moment in baseball with life lessons about bullying."—Greg Rhodes, Cincinnati Reds Team Historian"The Bat Boy and the Unbreakable Recordis a worthy addition to the baseball libraries of fans of all ages."—Chris Eckes, Chief Curator, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum"This is a story of second chances and redemption, a story kids will relate to and enjoy, especially those who love baseball."—Rosi HollinbeckRobert Skeadis the author of sevelÃ