Inspired by Derek Jeterโs own life, Fair Ball is the fourth middle grade novel in the New York Times bestselling Jeter Publishing Program and focuses on the theme โthe world isnโt always fair.โ
Life isnโt always fair. You canโt control that, but you can control how you think and act when things donโt go your way. You have to hang in there and keep after it, not get down and give up.
Derek has a lot to look forward to. School is almost out, his baseball team is competing in the Westwood Little League Playoffs, and then heโll head to his grandparentsโ house for the summer. Sure, there are finals to study for first, but Derek doesnโt mind. Maybe this year heโll get better grades than Gary. But when his best friend Dave starts to act strangely, ignoring Derek and canceling their plans, his summer isnโt looking quite so fun. Whatโs going on? Doesnโt he want to be Derekโs friend anymore?
Derek is so distracted by his problems with Dave that he makes a mistake in the outfield during a key playโand his team loses the game. Itโs so unfair! With the championship at stake and finals looming, Derek needs to stay focused or risk everything.