About This Book
Reach for this book if your teen is struggling with an explosive temper or feels a sense of injustice they cannot quite name. It is an ideal choice for the child who expresses frustration through physical outbursts and needs to see a character navigate the difficult path of self-control. Thirteen-year-old Tyler is sent to New York City for the summer, where the high-pressure world of competitive baseball becomes a mirror for his internal rage. As he digs into his family history and the legacy of the Vietnam War, he begins to understand that his anger is tied to a deeper, unresolved grief. This story is perfect for middle schoolers ready to tackle complex questions about masculinity, the ethics of war, and the heavy weight of family secrets. It offers a realistic model for how a young person can transform their 'short fuse' into a meaningful search for truth and peace.
