
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to balance their love for a parent with the pain of a family separation or an impending move. It is a lifeline for young athletes who find solace in their sport but feel their personal world is spinning out of control. The story follows Bobby, a young baseball player grappling with his parents' divorce and the news that his father, his primary coach, is moving away. Matt Christopher balances the high energy of the baseball diamond with the quiet, heavy reality of changing family dynamics. It is developmentally perfect for children aged 8 to 12, offering a realistic portrayal of grief and resilience. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's right to feel angry or sad while showing that their passions can provide a healthy outlet for emotional stress.
The book deals directly with divorce and parental relocation. The approach is secular and grounded in reality. There is no magical reconciliation of the parents; instead, the resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on Bobby's personal growth and his father's continued commitment to him.
An upper-elementary schooler (roughly 9-11) who uses sports as an escape or identity, and who is currently navigating a change in family structure or a 'long-distance' relationship with a parent.
Read the scenes where Bobby expresses anger toward his father to prepare for similar outbursts. The book can be read cold, but it is best used as a bridge to talk about the 'new normal' of the family. A parent might see their child becoming unusually aggressive or withdrawn during extracurricular activities, or hear the child express fear that they will be forgotten if a parent moves away.
Younger readers will focus on the tension of the baseball games and Bobby's sadness. Older readers will pick up on the nuance of the parents' strained communication and the metaphor of 'stealing home' as a way to take back control.
Unlike many 'divorce books' that are purely introspective, this uses the technicality and adrenaline of baseball to ground the emotional stakes, making it highly accessible to 'reluctant readers' or children who prefer action over dialogue.
Bobby Canfield is a talented baseball player who prides himself on his speed. His world is rocked by two major events: his parents are divorcing, and his father, who taught him how to 'steal home,' announces he is moving to another state for work. The narrative follows Bobby through his baseball season as he processes his resentment, fear of abandonment, and ultimate realization that his relationship with his father can survive the distance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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