Curveball - by Jordan Sonnenblick (Paperback)

About the Book

After an injury ends former star pitcher Peter Friedman's athletic dreams, he concentrates on photography which leads him to a girlfriend, new fame as a high school sports photographer, and a deeper relationship with the beloved grandfather who, when he realizes he is becoming senile, gives Pete all of his professional camera gear.

Book Synopsis

Sometimes life's greatest accomplishments take place off the field.

There's nothing All Star pitcher Peter Friedman loves more than baseball. He breathes it, dreams it, and works his tail off to be great. Most kids are nervous about starting high school, but when you're the star athlete, girls, popularity, and all-around stud status are sure to follow.Then a pitching accident over the summer ruins Pete's arm. If he can't play baseball in high school, what is he supposed to do? If he isn't the star pitcher, then who is he? To make matters more complicated, there's something going on with Pete's grampa -- he's acting weird and keeps forgetting important things.The only person Pete can confide in is Angelika, the amazingly cute girl in his photography class who might like Pete as much as he likes her . . . Only, Angie doesn't know if she can date someone who can't be honest with himself, or with the people he's closest to.

Review Quotes

Praise for Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie: "A brave book . . . Jordan Sonnenblick carries it off with such charm and elan, you forget for a moment your heart is breaking." --Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes* "Sonnenblick shows that even in the midst of tragedy, life goes on, love can flower, and the one thing you can always change is yourself." --Booklist, starred review"The reader falls in love with the brothers, laughing and crying by turns and rooting for both of them until it almost hurts." --Kirkus ReviewsPraise for After Ever After: * "As hilarious as it is tragic, and as honest as it is hopeful, don't confuse this book with inspirational reading. It's irresistible reading." --Booklist, starred review* "Sonnenblick's intimate first-person tale of survival . . . will leave an emotional, uplifting imprint." --School Library Journal, starred review"Jordan Sonnenblick continues Jeffrey's story in his signature style using an authentic teenage voice and laugh-out-loud humor." --TeensReadToo.comPraise for Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip: "Jordan Sonnenblick scores a home run with Curveball as he continues what he does best: getting to the core of issues that resonate with teens in a style that's direct and witty." --Book Page * "Sonnenblick again shows an adept ability to tackle big-deal life issues, treat them seriously and believably, and filter them into a high-spirited, even fun story." --Booklist, starred review* "The novel is populated with kind, vulnerable characters who care about each other, and the thoroughly enjoyable mix of sports, art, family drama, and budding romance will have readers invested in Peter's struggles to accept his new world..." --Publishers Weekly, starred reviewPraise for Notes from the Midnight Driver: * "[A] funny, bittersweet tour de force." --Booklist, starred review* "Readers [will be] nodding with recognition, sighing in sympathy, and gasping with laughter--often on the same page." --The Horn Book, starred review* "Sonnenblick revisits several key themes from his debut novel, Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, to even greater effect here." --Publishers Weekly, starred reviewPraise for Zen and the Art of Faking It: * "Wildly funny." -- Kliatt, starred review"This light-hearted situation comedy is peppered with genuine Zen insight." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Hilarious and heart-wrenching." --Kirkus Reviews"The writing is fresh, the characters appealing, and it looks like the author has another hit." --Oakland Tribune

About the Author

Jordan Sonnenblick is the author of the acclaimed Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, After Ever After, Notes from the Midnight Driver, Zen and the Art of Faking It, Falling Over Sideways, and The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade. He lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two children.