Golden Arm

In this riveting story about baseball and brotherhood, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks finds himself pitching his way out of poverty--one strike at a time. By "a premier author of provocative YA sports novels" (The Bulletin).

Lazarus "Laz" Weathers has always been shy, and his issue with stuttering when he speaks hasn't helped. Stuck in a Seattle trailer park, Laz finds baseball helps him escape from the world of poverty and drugs. When he gets an opportunity to pitch for the rich kids across town, he has a chance to get drafted by the major leagues.

But playing for the other team means leaving behind his family, including Antonio, Laz's younger brother, who more and more, seems to be drawn to the dark world of the Jet City's drug ring. Now Laz will have to choose between being the star pitcher he always dreamed of becoming and the team player his family needs.

Author: Carl Deuker
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 04/07/2020
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9780358012429
Age Range: 12-17

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 509786 / Golden Arm


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2020 pg. 73
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2020
Booklist 03/01/2020 pg. 53
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2020

About the Author
Carl Deuker is a celebrated author of "top-flight sports writing matched to uncommonly perceptive coming-of-age stories" (Kirkus Reviews). His popular titles include Gym Candy, Payback Time, Runner, and High Heat. He was a teacher for many years in the Seattle area, where he now lives with his wife.