Wes Tooke

King of the Mound: My Summer with Satchel Paige Wes Tooke

Brief Description: Twelve-year-old Nick loves baseball so after a year in the hospital fighting polio and with a brace on one leg, Nick takes a job with the team for which his father is catcher and gets to see the great pitcher, Satchel Paige, play during the 1935 season. Includes historical notes. Publisher Marketing: Baseball legend Satchel Paige changes a boy's life in this coming-of-age tale from the author of "Lucky." When Nick is released from the hospital after suffering from polio, he is sure that his father will never look at him in the same way again. Once the best pitcher in youth league, Nick now walks with a limp and is dependent on a heavy leg brace. He isn't sure he will ever return to the mound, never mind be the star he once was. When Nick starts working for Mr. Churchill, the owner of the semiprofessional team Nick's dad plays for, he meets Satchel Paige, arguably the best pitcher in the world. Not allowed in the major leagues because of his skin color, Satchel teaches Nick that some things can be overcome with hard work and dedication, and that just because you're down, you are most certainly not out. As Satchel and his unique teammates barnstorm toward a national baseball tournament, Nick wonders if he can really overcome what seems like the impossible and pitch again. Review Citations:

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2012 (EAN 9781442433489, Other)

Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2011 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2012 pg. 602 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 02/01/2012 pg. 136 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Booklist 02/15/2012 pg. 58 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2012 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2012 pg. 166 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2012 pg. 122 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2012 pg. 84 (EAN 9781442433465, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Tooke, Wes C. W. Tooke has worked as a feature writer and editorial consultant and has published features in Salon, New Jersey Monthly, and the Princeton Alumni Weekly. His first novel, " Lucky" was a Junior Library Guild Selection. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and dog.