Curveball

Curveball: the year I lost my grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

Jordan Sonnenblick has to be one of my favourite authors, he writes with both heart and humor. His books are great read alouds that have real feeling, that we all can relate to (whether we've been in that circumstance or not, some things are just part of the human condition - we have parents, we have siblings, we have friends, we go to school.) Although curveball is written about a slightly older teen, I think middle school students will still enjoy the character of Peter Friedman - pitcher (used to be), photographer (wanna be) his best friend AJ (ace pitcher) and new friend Angelika (wanna be girlfriend).

Here's the summary from the book jacket.

Sometimes, the greatest comebacks take place far away from the ball field.

Meet Peter Friedman, high school freshman. Talented photographer. Former baseball star. When a freakish injury ends his baseball career, Peter has some major things to figure out. Is there life after sports? Why has his grandfather suddenly given him thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. And is it his imagination, or is the super-hot star of the girls swim team flirting with him, right in front of the amazing new girl in his photography class?

In his new novel Jordan Sonnenblick performs his usual miraculous feat: exploring deep themes of friendship, romance, family and tragedy, while still managing to be hilariously funny.

Here's an interview with Jordan Sonnenblick - I love the part  "what will you do when life throws you a curveball?"