About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their sports-loving child dismisses writing as 'boring' or 'hard,' or when any child is paralyzed by writer's block. The story follows Kevin, a baseball star who is completely stumped by a poetry assignment until he gets an unlikely tutor: the ghost of William Shakespeare. Together, the odd couple navigates sonnets and baseball games, showing how creativity can be found everywhere, even on the pitcher's mound. This humorous and fast-paced novel explores themes of self-confidence, friendship, and the joy of embracing all parts of your identity. It’s a fantastic choice for readers aged 9-12, offering a lighthearted way to make classic literature feel cool and accessible while celebrating the artist inside every jock.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The primary challenge is performance anxiety, both academic (writer's block) and athletic (pressure to win). A ghost is a central character, but the approach is entirely humorous and fantastical, not scary or spiritual. The resolution is hopeful, as Kevin gains confidence in his own creative abilities and integrates his athletic and artistic sides.
