📖 Overview
Six Innings follows a Little League championship game between the Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies and Northeast Gas & Electric teams. The story focuses on Sam Reiser, who provides play-by-play commentary from the bench while battling a serious illness that keeps him from playing.
The narrative moves between intense on-field action and glimpses into the lives of players on both teams. Each inning brings new challenges and shifts in momentum as the teams battle for the championship title.
The book captures the technical aspects of baseball while exploring themes of friendship, perseverance, and what it means to be part of a team. Through Sam's perspective, readers gain insight into how sports connect people and shape their relationships both on and off the field.
👀 Reviews
Readers report that Six Innings captures the details and tension of youth baseball with accuracy. Teachers and librarians note it works well for reluctant readers, especially boys who enjoy sports.
Likes:
- Authentic baseball terminology and game scenarios
- Character development through flashbacks
- Balance of action and emotional depth
- Appeals to both casual and devoted baseball fans
- Accessible reading level for grades 4-7
Dislikes:
- Some found the multiple character perspectives confusing
- A few readers wanted more depth on individual characters
- Non-baseball fans struggled with technical terms
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (284 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (32 ratings)
Common Sense Media: 4/5
"Perfect for kids who play Little League" appears in multiple reader reviews. One teacher noted: "My students could relate to both the game situations and friend dynamics." Several parents mentioned the book led to discussions about teamwork and facing challenges.
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Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages A girl in 1957 attempts to join Little League by hiding her gender and confronts the historical limitations placed on female baseball players.
Plunked by Michael Northrop A sixth-grade baseball player must overcome his fear of being hit by the ball after taking a fastball to the head in a previous game.
Baseball Genius by Tim Green , Derek Jeter A twelve-year-old boy uses his talent for predicting baseball pitches to help his neighborhood team compete against wealthier clubs.
The Kid from Diamond Street by Audrey Vernick The true story follows Edith Houghton, who became a professional baseball player at age ten in the 1920s Philadelphia Bobbies.
Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages A girl in 1957 attempts to join Little League by hiding her gender and confronts the historical limitations placed on female baseball players.
Plunked by Michael Northrop A sixth-grade baseball player must overcome his fear of being hit by the ball after taking a fastball to the head in a previous game.
Baseball Genius by Tim Green , Derek Jeter A twelve-year-old boy uses his talent for predicting baseball pitches to help his neighborhood team compete against wealthier clubs.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Author James Preller played Little League baseball as a child and drew from his own experiences to create authentic game scenarios and player emotions.
⚾ The book's announcer character, Sam Reiser, is battling cancer but finds joy and purpose in broadcasting the championship game from the press box.
🏆 Each chapter represents one inning of the Little League championship game, with flashbacks and character development woven throughout the play-by-play action.
🎯 The book received the Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature in 2009.
⭐ While writing the novel, Preller attended numerous Little League games and interviewed players, coaches, and announcers to capture the precise details of youth baseball culture.