Soar

Twelve-year-old Jeremiah lives and breathes baseball, though a health condition prevents him from playing the sport himself. After moving to a new town with his adoptive father Walt, he discovers the local school has shut down its baseball program due to a scandal. Determined to revive baseball in the community, Jeremiah takes on the role of coaching a middle school team despite numerous obstacles. He works to recruit players, secure equipment and facilities, and restore faith in the game he loves. The story follows Jeremiah's efforts to build not just a functioning baseball team, but a sense of pride and purpose in his new hometown. His natural optimism and deep knowledge of baseball are tested as he faces resistance from both adults and peers who have lost trust in the sport. This coming-of-age novel explores themes of resilience, community healing, and finding ways to stay connected to one's passions even when faced with limitations. Through baseball, the story examines how shared goals can unite people and help them move forward from past disappointments.

Readers report strong emotional connections to Jeremiah's resilient spirit and passion for baseball. Many note the book handles grief and medical challenges realistically while maintaining an optimistic tone suitable for middle-grade audiences. Liked: - Baseball details feel authentic and engaging - Strong adult role models and community support - Balance of serious themes with humor - Clear, accessible writing style - Messages about perseverance Disliked: - Some found the plot predictable - A few readers wanted more complex character development - Baseball focus may not appeal to non-sports fans Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ reviews) "The protagonist's determination inspired my reluctant reader to finish the book in two days" - Amazon reviewer "While the ending feels expected, the journey there is heartfelt" - Goodreads user "Perfect for kids dealing with health challenges or major life changes" - School librarian review

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🦅 Joan Bauer wrote this book after being inspired by her visit to a raptor rehabilitation center in South Carolina, where she learned about the healing bond between birds and humans. 🌟 The book received the Buckeye Children's and Teen Book Award, highlighting its impact on young readers and its exploration of trauma recovery. 🎨 The cover art features a soaring eagle against a blue sky, symbolizing both the literal birds in the story and the metaphorical journey of "soaring" above life's challenges. 🏥 The story reflects real therapeutic techniques used in raptor rehabilitation centers, where injured birds help people heal from their own emotional wounds through a mutual recovery process. 📝 While writing the book, Bauer consulted with numerous wildlife experts and rehabilitation specialists to ensure accurate portrayals of bird behavior and rehabilitation practices.