Book Description

The Scrappers have made it halfway through the season and are starting to look pretty good. If only Ollie's habit of talking himself through his pitches -- out loud -- wasn't getting so much attention from the other teams. Ollie knows that the other kids think he's weird, but if he doesn't talk he can't concentrate, and then he can't control the ball.

With so much pressure to "act normal," Ollie is starting to think that he can't make it through the season. Whenever he messes up a play, he just knows that the Scrappers think he's the weak link -- especially that bigmouth, Gloria Gibbs. He is all set to quit...but a small part of him wonders if the coach is right -- that he has what it takes to pitch, if he can just believe in himself. If he can do that, the Scrappers may still have a fighting chance to win the championship.

Now We're Talking is the fourth book in Dean Hughes's new Scrappers series. Each book focuses on a different member of this unseasoned but determined baseball squad. In one summerlong season, each player learns something about him or herself and what it is that defines a team. ... Read more

Book Description

Robbie Marquez is looking forward to nothing more than a summer full of his favorite sport -- baseball. He hopes especially to be the shortstop for one of his city's rec league teams, but when he and his friend Trent Lubak go to the league office for their team assignments, they find out their applications never arrived. Suddenly, they are looking at a summer with no baseball at all -- unless they can pull together enough players for a team, and a coach and a team sponser, in a very short amount of time.

Robbie and Trent indeed pull it off. (Even if Robbie does have to invent a cousin to round out the team.) So here come the Scrappers, an unusual mix of players but a team that has potential -- if they can just figure out how to get along. And that's a challenge, especially when Robbie loses out as shortstop to loudmouthed Gloria, who won't let him forget it!

This book, focusing on Robbie Marquez, is the first book in Dean Hughes's new Scrappers series about this unseasoned but determined baseball squad. Each new book in the series focuses on one of the members of the team during a summerlong season. Along the way, each person learns not only something about him or herself but also what it is that defines a team. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Scrappers Series
I have read everyone of Mr. Hughes'Books about the Scrappers to my son...BR>He loves to read them time and again, you get caught up in the game with these kids (Scrappers) and how they become better players and become friends and real team players.
Sincerely,
Dennis Brown

Baseball's Fun
The main character in this book is Robbie. Robbie is on a baseball team. At a game a friend doesn't know how to swing. Also,in the story Robbie's cousin went on vacation so Robbie's team is going to need a girl, and she is pretty good. I recommend this book for kids 10, 11, and even 12 years old. This book is pretty good and exciting.

Play Ball, Volume 1
What a great book for all the kids out there, boys AND girls, that like to play baseball! We coach three Little League Baseball teams right now (ages 6-7, 8, and 10) and have recommended this series to all of our teams as a great summer reading program. The books are written for ages 8-12, but younger children with a pretty good understanding of baseball will enjoy reading the book with an adult. My 6 and 7 year old boys loved this book and are eager to read the next book (they are not big reading fans, so I was happy to support the reading habit by getting the entire series for them).

This is the first book in the Scrappers Series by Dean Hughes. As a general note on the series, each of the Scrappers books covers a different position on the team with tips at the back of the book on playing the position, some advice from the coach and trivia trading cards dedicated to the learning more about the game.

Play Ball (Vol. 1) is about two players who fail to make the deadline for the summer baseball league and have only two hours to find enough players to form a new team. When Robbie only finds eleven players, not meeting the required twelve player minimum, he creates an "imaginary cousin". This lie causes problems for Robbie before they even play their first game. Another problem for Robbie is that one of the players recruited is a girl who competes with him for his shortstop position causing rivalry between team members and subsequently a loss in an important game.

By the end of the book, the players(and the readers) have learned valuable lessons in honesty, consequences, team spirit and team work, and good sportsmanship!

Again, I think this is a great book for young baseball fans! It makes for a great summer reading program and keeps the attention of the young readers. Look for Home Run Hero (Vol. #2) by Dean Hughes also available now.

Real kids play baseball
My son, aged 9 -10, and I read all of the Scrapper books and are dying for Mr. Hughes to write more of them. They combine real kids with real personalities and problems, with exciting play by play baseball scenes. These are "feel good" books, perhaps not great literature, but in the end the children overcome their issues and contribute to the team. They are engaging reading. ... Read more

Book Description

In Home Run Hero, the second book in Dean Hughes's popular Scrappers series, Wilson Love is certainly "the Man." His long ball promises to make him stand out as the Scrappers' best slugger -- when he connects, that is. As Coach Carlton points out, Wilson misses as many as he hits. But when the coach helps him work on a new stance and swing, things get even worse. When he comes to bat, his arms and legs feel all wrong. He couldn't hit the ball if someone held it right up in front of him. The coach might say his swing is better, but what good is that if he still strikes out all the time?

While some of the team side with the coach, others tell him to swing the back the way he wants to, to be himself. Soon Wilson feels caught in a tug-of-war, until he finally realizes that who he is and how he plays is his decision to make.

Each book in Dean Hughes's Scrappers series focuses on a different member of this unseasoned but determined baseball squad. In one summerlong season, each player learns something about him or herself and what it is that defines a team. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Home Run Hero
This is the second book in the Scrappers series by Dean Hughes. Each book in the Scrappers series covers a different position in baseball and bases the story around that position. This book is based on Wilson, the teams catcher and power hitter. The team members are starting to get frustrated by the number of games they are losing and tempers are flaring. The team is not working together and there is a definite attitude problem. Wilson just wants everyone to work together, but then he starts to fall into a batting slump and when Coach Carlton gives him advice to improve his bat, he only gets worse. Soon, the morale of the team will improve and Wilson learns that the catcher is the leader of the team and his ability to take control and calm the team down makes him well-suited for this position. He becomes a leader on and off the field.

Again, this book has special tips in the back on playing catcher and has Scrapper trivia trading cards. There is plenty of play-by-play baseball action and some great lessons on team spirit and teamwork.

I would highly recommend this book to any kids, boys or girls, between 8 and 12 years old that like baseball. ... Read more

Book Description

JEREMY LIM: CENTER FIELD

Jeremy is quiet, a loner, and the smallest member of the Scrappers. Sometimes it seems like the only thing his teammates think he's good for is getting a base on balls. If only he could get the big hit, or make the spectacular play, maybe they'd notice him.

The trouble is, every time Jeremy tries to be the hero, he messes up. Now his reckless attempt to steal second in a key game may have cost the Scrappers their chance at the championship. How can Jeremy win his teammates' respect -- and more importantly, their friendship? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Practice makes Perfect
This book is about a boy named Jeremy, who plays right field. He doesn't like being walked when he is batting, so he tries to show off. He swings at bad pitches, and strikes-out alot. His coach wonders what is the matter with him, so he spends time practicing with Jeremy after the regular practice is over. Jeremy learns not to show off, and gets better. I liked this book because it is entertaining, especially if you're a baseball fan. It helps kids realize that everyone makes mistakes. ... Read more

Book Description

The league championship is just around the corner and the Scrappers still have a shot -- but they can't afford to make any mistakes. With Coach Carlton's good advice and everyone's hard work, the whole team is at their peak of performance...except maybe Tracy. After taking one in the face during a game, she's been a little shy of the ball. Her bruises are fading, but her teammates and even kids on the other teams have started to notice that she's backing off.

Tracy has to wonder if she's not cut out for baseball after all. She has other friends who know nothing about baseball, and she has fun with them. Still, she's a Scrapper, and with only a few games left in the season, she can't quit now. Can she?

No Fear is the eighth book in Dean Hughes's Scrappers series. Each book in the series focuses on a different member of this determined baseball squad. In one summerlong season, each player learns not only something about him or herself, but also what it is that defines a team. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book
Scrapers is a fun book to read.I play baseball so it was interesting for me.The main character is Kati.Their problem is that Kati has a black eye, and she couldn't not play as well.It was a funny book.It got me ready for Baseball.I think you would like it. ... Read more

Book Description

Gloria knows that she's one of the best players the Scrappers have, but she can't do it all -- and when the other kids blow it, she's the first one to let them know. The coach has warned her to quiet down, but how can she be the trouble when the rest of the team is pathetic?

With Gloria setting the tone, the Scrappers are spending less and less time working as a team and more and more time fighting among themselves. When she opens her mouth one too many times and provokes a fight that costs the Scrappers an important game, Coach Carlton is so disgusted he quits the team. "I know baseball," he says, "and this isn't it." Are the Scrappers' hopes of pulling together for the championship over?

Bases Loaded is the fifth book in Dean Hughes's new Scrappers series. Each book focuses on a different member of this unseasoned but determined baseball squad. In one summerlong season, each player learns something about him or herself and what it is that defines a team. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Kids Sports Story With Substance
Book #5 of the series explores the personality of Gloria Gibbs, the star shortstop of the Scrappers. Gloria has a lot of talent however she always seems to be putting her foot in her mouth. Her "in your face" approach is grating on the coach and players. The team chemistry is quicklydissolving as Gloria's comments continue to upset almost all of the playersand coaches. It's never good enough for Gloria. She can do no wrong.Readabout Gloria's background, growing up with brothers and a father who aren'tthe sensitive types. Her father, the owner of a junkyard (for whom the teamis named) hasn't got patience for anything or anybody and Gloria is muchthe same.The book gives us a different view on girls in sports. Gloria'sbaseball skills are excellent. She excels in the field and at bat. One ofonly three girls on the team -she's not backing down to anyone.As youfollow through the story we see how Gloria comes to understand that her wayis not the best. She learns how to help her team mates. To think firstbefore talking. To control her temper and understand how to get your pointacross in a socially acceptable way. The book deals with resolvingconflict, but keeps it light, using the sports theme to soften the impact.It's a good way for your child to absord this important information. ... Read more

Book Description

The Scrappers are really coming together now. They beat the Mustangs, the best team in the league, and now they have a chance at the championship. But first baseman and pitcher Adam Pfitzer is still on edge. He needs to focus more. He and Ollie, the other pitcher on the team, have solid talent, but they need to be more consistent.

Even beyond these challenges, there is a growing problem with Adam's cousin Stan. Stan is more than just a cousin -- he's also Adam's best friend. Playing for the Pit Bulls, he's spent most of the first part of the season on the bench. Even when his team does okay, Stan is down in the dumps. He just doesn't have what it takes. So what should Adam do when Stan asks him to work with him on his hitting?

His cousin and friend needs his help. His team needs his loyalty. What if one of Adam's teammates sees him throwing pitches to Stan on an off day? What if Stan gets a key hit in a game with the Scrappers, and the Scrappers lose? What will Adam's teammates think then?

No Easy Out is the sixth book in Dean Hughes's acclaimed Scrappers series about an eager and hardworking group of kids who are learning what it means to be a team. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Parent's Thoughts on Scrappers #6 "No Easy Out"
My son was assigned to do a book report for school and chose "No Easy Out" by Dean Hughes.I wanted to help him with his report, so I read the book feeling that this would help me ask him the right questions laterwhen he was writing his report.

I liked the book.Mr. Hughes has made iteasy to imagine yourself as Adam the main character.The book's style ofwritinglets the reader feel empathetic to Adam's plight of puting histeamthe Scrappers above, his friend and cousin, who plays for anotherteam.Stan, Adam's cousin, is having trouble with his hitting and hasasked Adam for help with batting practice.

Aside from the main theme thebook keeps the young readers attention with fast and exciting game actionthat works well with the message of the book, that helping your friends isOk even if you are in competition with that friend.Being competitive whenyou play is part of the fun and being competitive with your friends is evenmore fun. ... Read more

Book Description

In Team Player, the third book in Dean Hughes's popular series, the season is moving along for the Scrappers. It looks like they have some talent after all, and that talent is finally gelling into some numbers in the "win" column.

But one thing is driving Trent Lubak crazy -- the way his old friend Robbie Marquez is changing. Where has that big mouth come from all of a sudden? Every time Robbie makes a great play at third, he's the first to tell the world: "Nothing gets by me, I'm Velcro Man." His nonstop bragging is particularly annoying after Trent not only misses the cutoff man in a play to home plate, but nearly throws the ball out of the stadium as well. How humiliating.

The growing tension between Trent and Robbie threatens to undermine the Scrappers' team spirit that has been so delicately woven so far. Is it possible that Trent is just a little jealous of Robbie's flashy plays? Might he have to come to grips with the fact that he isn't a standout star, but, as a solid, dependable player, just as important to the team?

Each book in Dean Hughes's Scrapper's series focuses on a different member of this unseasoned but determined baseball squad. In one summerlong season, each player learns something about him or herself and what it is that defines a team. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the Scrappers' last regular season game. If they beat the Mustangs today, they'll win the championship for the second half of the season. After that they'll get a second shot at the Mustangs to decide the championship for the entire year. But the Mustangs are really tough. Can the Scrappers expect to beat them twice in a row?

If Thurlow Coates has anything to do with it, the answer is yes!

Distant and uninterested earlier in the season, Thurlow has pulled himself together and finally come around as a solid member of the team. He has proven to be the Scrappers' most gifted player -- capable, it seems, of hitting the ball out of the park whenever he wants to. And the Scrappers have come around, too, from an unseasoned bunch of kids to a team that demands and deserves the respect of every opponent.

But can Thurlow carry the team by himself when everything the Scrappers have worked so hard to achieve is about to unravel? How could the team meet the challenges to come if Thurlow was injured? What would Thurlow himself do?

Grand Slam, the ninth book in the acclaimed Scrappers series, brings the Scrappers' dynamic, come-from-behind season to a white-knuckle, edge-of-your-seat conclusion. In some ways, this conclusion does depend on one player -- but in other ways, it depends on everyone. ... Read more