The Only Game
Sale price
$1580
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015 · Est. 8 hour read

The Only Game

Written by Mike Lupica

Part of the Home Team series

A young athlete quits baseball after tragedy. Can friendship reignite his passion?

4.1 Goodreads · 1,250 ratings
310 pages· 59,265 words· Est. 8 hour read· 790L
$16.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Jack Callahan, a young baseball star, quits the game after his brother's death, leaving his friends puzzled. As he navigates grief, Jack befriends Cassie, a softball player who supports his decision. Together with Teddy, a bullied peer, they form a bond that helps Jack rediscover himself. Will Jack find his way back to the sport he once loved, or is his passion lost forever? Discover the power of friendship and healing in this heartfelt journey.

From the publisher

Can a young baseball star maintain his love of the game after the loss of his brother? Find out in this start to the Home Team series about a small town with high hopes, from New York Times bestselling author and sportswriting legend Mike Lupica. Jack Callahan is the star of his baseball team and sixth grade is supposed to be his year. Undefeated season. Records shattered. Little League World Series. The works. That is, until he up and quits. Jack’s best friend Gus can’t understand how Jack could leave a game that means more to them than anything else. But Jack is done. It’s a year of change. Jack’s brother has passed away, and though his family and friends and the whole town of Walton thinks baseball is just the thing he needs to move on, Jack feels it’s anything but. In comes Cassie Bennett, star softball player, and the only person who seems to think Jack shouldn’t play if he doesn’t want to. As Jack and Cassie’s friendship deepens, their circle expands to include Teddy, a guy who’s been picked on because of his weight. Time spent with these new friends unlocks something within Jack, and with their help and the support of his family and his old friends, Jack discovers sometimes it’s more than just the love of the game that keeps us moving–and he might just be able to find his way back to The Only Game.

At a glance
Format
Pages
310
Words
59,265
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
790L
The author

More from Mike Lupica

Explore Mike's bookshelf
QB 1
Sale price
$899

QB 1

Ages 10–+ · 2013
The series

The Home Team series

See the whole series
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books
Restart
Sale price
$699

Restart

Ages 8–12 · 2017
Squint
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Squint

Ages 8–12 · 2018
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5
F&P level
~S
AR points
9
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
171979
Publication
Published
February 17, 2015
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781481409957

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Literary Leslie