Soar [Paperback]

Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer hits a home run with her newest protagonist, who always sees the positive side of any situation.

     Jeremiah is not one to let anything keep him down. Starting with his adoption by computer genius Walt, Jeremiah has looked on his life as a series of lucky breaks. When a weak heart keeps him from playing his beloved baseball, Jeremiah appoints himself the team coach. When Walt has to move for another new assignment, Jeremiah sees it as a great chance to explore a new town. But no sooner do they arrive than a doping scandel is revealed and the town feels betrayed and disgraced. Jeremiah takes it as his personal mission to restore the town's morale and help the teams bounce back and remember how to soar. Full of humor, heart, and baseball lore, Soar is Joan Bauer at her best.Praise for Soar:

* Jeremiah's voice is perfect: plucky, vulnerable, pragmatic, smart, and immensely endearing. Bauer masterfully manages the various plotlines. . . An outstanding, tender exploration of courage and the true nature of heroism and, for good measure, a fine homage to America's game, as well.  —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*  Bauer’s latest feel-good novel is distinguished by a largehearted warmth, its able characterizations, a page-turning plot, and winning humor. —Booklist, starred review

Sports, friendship, tragedy, and a love connection are all wrapped up in one heartwarming, page-turning story. . . This coming-of-age tale features a boy who is courageous and witty; readers—baseball fans or otherwise—will cheer on Jeremiah and this team. The latest middlelÓ)