Books with author Alfred Slote

"Daydreamer Jason, 11, has just been [dropped] from his Little League team. Seeking solace at the baseball-card shop, he makes a startling hypothesis: 'Buck McHenry,' star pitcher [of the Negro Leagues], could be school custodian Mack Henry. Mr. Henry's identity, in doubt through much of the book, provides a mystery, a bittersweet revelation, and a satisfyingly dramatic denouement. The characterizations are pungent, the action (on and off the diamond) involving. A solid, rewarding story." —K. Finalist, 1992 Edgar Allan Poe Award, Juvenile Category (Mystery Writers of America)Children's Choices for 1992 (IRA/CBC)

Hang Tough, Paul Mather, originally published by Lippincott/Harper Collins, tells the story of a young pitcher who, thrown a curve by life, fires back. But living is more than a game for Paul, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the blood. With the help of a young doctor, a ballplayer himself, and his own grit and courage, Paul Mather fights back. Paul Mather hangs tough.

Bill Taylor is a good ballplayer on Miller's Laundry, a bad team. More than anything he wants his father to move the family back to California where he'd played on a good team. But then Tony Spain joins Miller's Laundry and turns it around. Tony is a natural athlete, a nice kid, and a pitcher who can bring heat, throw curves and has an unhittable fork ball. Bill idolizes him and would follow Tony anywhere. One day he does. Into a sporting goods store and a crisis that will change both their lives. What happens to Tony and what Bill learns about life is the story of Tony and Me.

What's So Special About Ace 459? Andy Harris's fabulous baseball card collection, left to him by his father, is the envy of every baseball fan in town. Still, Andy would rather play ball than collect cards. He's got a natural talent for the game, like his grandfather, pro ball player Jim Harris. And Jim Harris, Ace 459, is the one card Andy would give anything to own -- he'd even trade his priceless 1952 Micky Mantle card. Then Grandpa comes to town for a visit and offers to coach Andy's ragtag team. For the first time, Andy and his friends really look good, really feel like a team. But Grampa's rules for playing the game contradict everything Andy believes about friendship and good sportsmanship. And Andy begins to wonder if Ace 459 is such a hero after all.