This was an unexpected book for me. I really loved it!! I loved the story, how they wove in the drama and didn't shove it down the readers throats. And i was able to follow along with the baseball, but i think if you knew the game it would be even better. ( )

I absolutely love this book. I love the words that MIKE LUPICA used. It really makes you feel that it is way more than a baseball novel. If it was called that, than I would call it the best one in the world. Mike Lupica just makes it fell like you are there.I recommend this book to people who like baseball or softball. ( )

Some reviewers say this is more than a baseball book and that it is true. Make no mistake this is, most assuredly, a baseball book and baseball fans will enjoy it more. There are play-by-plays of Little League and Girls softball games. Teams are vying for playoff berths. The title refers to several characters' laser focus on baseball. It does have a back story involving the death of a main character's older brother. Mike Lupica's books are heavy on dialogue and this one is no exception. Several friendships are formed and grow during the course of the story. The back and forth among the new friends is an engaging part of the book. ( )

Most kids have a dream. Some want to be a firefighter or police officer when they grow up. Others want to be a famous singer or dancer. Some kids decide to become a doctor or teacher. Still others love sports. Twelve-year-old Jack Callahan lives for baseball. Cassie Bennett is a star softball player. They have big plans for their seventh-grade year. Life is not turning out the way they had expected, however.

In THE ONLY GAME, a middle grade novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Mike Lupica, Jack has a secret. He should be leading his baseball team, the Rays, to the Little League World Series this year. Instead, he’s not even playing ball. What has happened in Jack’s life that’s horrible enough to make him give up his dream? No one understands, except Cassie.

For me, the characters in a book make the story, and in THE ONLY GAME the author got the characters just right. When Jack faces a situation that’s tough even for an adult to accept, he deals with it the way he believes is right. He makes mistakes. Or does he? In Cassie, he finds a friend who doesn’t pity him, but gives him encouragement, in her own way. As much as I like Jack, Cassie is my favorite character. She has an attitude, but she supports Jack one hundred percent. There’s also Teddy that the other boys make fun of. When Jack sets out to help him face his fears, Jack learns to face his own, as well.

THE ONLY GAME is a story of hope and giving your dreams your all. It’s a story of friendship and being at the right place at the right time. Mike Lupica has written about children that could be your neighbors or even your own children. About their dreams and the obstacles they face and how they overcome them. I recommend this novel for middle school classrooms and libraries as well as your own private library. Even adults will enjoy this novel.This is the first book in the author’s new HOME TEAM series. I’m looking forward to the second novel for young readers in my family.
The publisher provided me with an ARC of this novel for my honest review.

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