King of the Mound

Nick is a 12-year-old baseball player in 1935 who dreams of following in his father's footsteps as a pitcher. After surviving polio, he works to rebuild his strength and return to the game, despite significant physical challenges and doubts from those around him. The story takes place against the backdrop of the Great Depression in Kentucky, where Nick meets baseball legend Satchel Paige. Paige becomes Nick's mentor, teaching him about pitching and perseverance while barnstorming with the Negro Leagues. This middle-grade historical novel combines baseball action with the social and economic realities of 1930s America. The relationship between Nick and Satchel Paige forms the core of the narrative, as both characters face obstacles in pursuit of their baseball dreams. Through Nick's journey, the book explores themes of determination, friendship, and overcoming prejudice in Depression-era America. The story demonstrates how sports can bridge divides and help people discover their inner strength.

Readers describe this as an engaging middle-grade baseball story that balances sports action with the historical context of polio in the 1930s. The book maintains a 4.2/5 rating on Goodreads and 4.7/5 on Amazon across hundreds of reviews. Readers praise: - Historical details about polio treatment and recovery - Baseball scenes that capture game strategy and excitement - The main character's determination and growth - Age-appropriate handling of serious themes Common criticisms: - Some find the plot predictable - A few readers note the baseball terminology can be challenging for non-fans - Minor historical inaccuracies cited by some reviewers Review stats: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (517 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Scholastic: 4.5/5 (32 ratings) One teacher reviewer noted: "Perfect for reluctant readers who love sports." Multiple parents mentioned the book sparked discussions about overcoming challenges and disability awareness.

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🏀 The book draws from real historical events during the Great Depression, when Black baseball players were restricted to the Negro Leagues due to segregation in professional baseball. ⚾ Author Wes Tooke worked as a journalist and magazine editor before becoming a children's book author and television writer. 🏥 Polio, which affects the main character Nick, was one of the most feared diseases in America during the 1930s, causing widespread panic and the closure of swimming pools and other public spaces. ⚡ Satchel Paige, who appears as a character in the book, was a real-life Negro League superstar who later became the oldest rookie in Major League Baseball at age 42. 🌟 The Kansas City Monarchs, featured in the story, were one of the most successful Negro League teams and launched the careers of baseball legends like Jackie Robinson and Ernie Banks.