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Six Innings
Two teams, six innings, one game.
A lively cast of characters―baseball-loving boys between the ages of eleven to thirteen―are playing the biggest game of their lives. With acrobatic catches, clutch hits, dramatic whiffs, and costly errors, this game is full of action. But as the book unfolds, pitch by pitch, a deeper story emerges, with far more at Sam and Mike, best friends, are trying to come to terms with Sam's newly diagnosed cancer. And this baseball diamond becomes the ultimate testing ground of Sam and Mike's remarkable friendship as they strive to find a way to both come out winners.
This is for the championship.
This is for life.
Six Innings is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
A lively cast of characters―baseball-loving boys between the ages of eleven to thirteen―are playing the biggest game of their lives. With acrobatic catches, clutch hits, dramatic whiffs, and costly errors, this game is full of action. But as the book unfolds, pitch by pitch, a deeper story emerges, with far more at Sam and Mike, best friends, are trying to come to terms with Sam's newly diagnosed cancer. And this baseball diamond becomes the ultimate testing ground of Sam and Mike's remarkable friendship as they strive to find a way to both come out winners.
This is for the championship.
This is for life.
Six Innings is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2000
About the author
James Preller
212 books138 followersJames Preller (born 1961) is the children's book author of the Jigsaw Jones Mysteries, which are published by Scholastic Corporation. He grew up in Wantagh, New York and went to college in Oneonta, New York. After graduating from college in 1983, James Preller was employed as a waiter for one year before being hired as a copywriter by Scholastic Corporation, where he was introduced (through their books) to many noatable children's authors. This inspired James Preller to try writing his own books. James Preller published his first book, entitled MAXX TRAX: Avalanche Rescue, in 1986. Since that time, James Preller has written a variety of books, and has written under a number of pen names, including Mitzy Kafka, James Patrick, and Izzy Bonkers. James Preller lives in Delmar, New York with his wife Lisa and their three children.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesp...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesp...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 25, 2008
My reaction after finishing this short novel for pre-teen and teens, especially who are really into the finer points of baseball playing and the spirit of the game was a tremendous respect for the author. James Preller poured much of his passion for the game into a finely crafted story set in just ONE little league game: 6 innings, character sketches of 12 players of one visiting team, and the framing, soul-searching story of the 13-year-old severely ill ex-ballplayer-turned-announcer...
I am not particularly into baseball: enjoy watching the game once in a while, of course, but do not personally collect memorabilia or statistics as a life-long hobby. This book makes me want to know and learn more about the game, its history and all the psychological aspects of the players and the plays; it also makes me believe that there is a reason for someone, young or old, to be completely lost in the world of sports and get much of their life's wisdom out of these games.
Preller also has quite a way with words and turn of phrases:
p. 15: "Aaron Foley, short and stocky with a squashed-in face that reminded Sam of an English bulldog, did more than toss his cookies. No Aaron projected his vomit across the room, spewing his insides as if fired from a cannon, a thunderous blast of wet barf splattering onto the tile floor." p. 16... That's how Sam and Mike began their friendship, sealed with a simple exchange, a look across a silent (but foul-smelling) distance.
p. 18: (About the five tools of baseball: speed, glove, arm, power, and the ability to hit for average.) Branden Reid, however, posesses a sixth tool, amnesia, the art of forgetting. Baseball is, after all, a game of failure. The only thing that a player can influence is the next play, the next at bat.
p. 22 (this describes the game, but somehow fittingly describes the book as well): "The slow rhythm of the game, a game of accumulation, of patterns, gathering itself toward the finish..." AND what a finish this book has! I felt like I witnessed a historic game after reading the last page of the book (and it isn't even about the game or the innings or the winners and the losers.)
p. 63: "There's a squarish, two-story bulding -- an overachieving shed, really"
p. 46: On the field, baseball is a game of isolation, nine singular outposts of shared solitude... You are a "team" immediately before and after each play. (This does get repeated on page 132.)
p. 106: Tragedy, the stuff of comedy.
There are a few specific references that will definitely date the book -- which is too bad: p. 40: the boys talking about Jessica Simpson and someone listening to the lyrics to a Jay-Z tune.
I am not particularly into baseball: enjoy watching the game once in a while, of course, but do not personally collect memorabilia or statistics as a life-long hobby. This book makes me want to know and learn more about the game, its history and all the psychological aspects of the players and the plays; it also makes me believe that there is a reason for someone, young or old, to be completely lost in the world of sports and get much of their life's wisdom out of these games.
Preller also has quite a way with words and turn of phrases:
p. 15: "Aaron Foley, short and stocky with a squashed-in face that reminded Sam of an English bulldog, did more than toss his cookies. No Aaron projected his vomit across the room, spewing his insides as if fired from a cannon, a thunderous blast of wet barf splattering onto the tile floor." p. 16... That's how Sam and Mike began their friendship, sealed with a simple exchange, a look across a silent (but foul-smelling) distance.
p. 18: (About the five tools of baseball: speed, glove, arm, power, and the ability to hit for average.) Branden Reid, however, posesses a sixth tool, amnesia, the art of forgetting. Baseball is, after all, a game of failure. The only thing that a player can influence is the next play, the next at bat.
p. 22 (this describes the game, but somehow fittingly describes the book as well): "The slow rhythm of the game, a game of accumulation, of patterns, gathering itself toward the finish..." AND what a finish this book has! I felt like I witnessed a historic game after reading the last page of the book (and it isn't even about the game or the innings or the winners and the losers.)
p. 63: "There's a squarish, two-story bulding -- an overachieving shed, really"
p. 46: On the field, baseball is a game of isolation, nine singular outposts of shared solitude... You are a "team" immediately before and after each play. (This does get repeated on page 132.)
p. 106: Tragedy, the stuff of comedy.
There are a few specific references that will definitely date the book -- which is too bad: p. 40: the boys talking about Jessica Simpson and someone listening to the lyrics to a Jay-Z tune.
November 23, 2015
Six Innings by James Preller is every baseball players dream book. It contained many aspects of baseball that entices many people. It had action, suspense, intensity, and a emotional part to the story. While reading Six Innings I was drawn closer and closer to it as I flipped the pages! Page after page I was transported into the Northeast Gas & Electric vs Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies Little League Baseball game. I loved reading this book, it is by far one of the best sport related books I have ever read.
"It was a word that explained everything. All the things that had gone wrong. Why his leg broke so easily from a simple fall, the follow up tests, the thing they found growing in his bone. The tumor. And now they gave it a name. Sam had osteosarcoma. Or, well, osteosarcoma had him(92)."
Sam Reiser was if not the most dynamic character in Six Innings. Sam was the teams announcer. He was the one who announced the players before the game, told everyone to rise for the National Anthem, and did play by play commentary. Sam Reiser was a very important aspect to the Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies baseball team but he didn't feel like he was.
Sam let his Osteosarcoma define him. Sam let Osteosarcoma take control over who he thought he was and that's how Sam formed and shaped his identity. He had a rare type of cancer that was very beatable and presented that to the world instead of the Sam Reiser that played on the trampoline, that loved ice cream, that loved baseball. Towards the end of the book Sam Reiser realizes his importance and how much he is loved mostly by his friend Mike. When Sam receives all the love and support he finally takes off the mask of Osteosarcoma and puts on the Sam Reiser mask.
Overall I felt like Six Innings by James Preller was an extraordinary read. You could find every type of genre in this one book, that is why I loved it so much. I would recommend this book to people 15+ and to anyone who finds sport books entertaining. Anyone who LOVES a book where a character gets lost in himself and in the ends finds their self would love Six Innings by James Preller.
"It was a word that explained everything. All the things that had gone wrong. Why his leg broke so easily from a simple fall, the follow up tests, the thing they found growing in his bone. The tumor. And now they gave it a name. Sam had osteosarcoma. Or, well, osteosarcoma had him(92)."
Sam Reiser was if not the most dynamic character in Six Innings. Sam was the teams announcer. He was the one who announced the players before the game, told everyone to rise for the National Anthem, and did play by play commentary. Sam Reiser was a very important aspect to the Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies baseball team but he didn't feel like he was.
Sam let his Osteosarcoma define him. Sam let Osteosarcoma take control over who he thought he was and that's how Sam formed and shaped his identity. He had a rare type of cancer that was very beatable and presented that to the world instead of the Sam Reiser that played on the trampoline, that loved ice cream, that loved baseball. Towards the end of the book Sam Reiser realizes his importance and how much he is loved mostly by his friend Mike. When Sam receives all the love and support he finally takes off the mask of Osteosarcoma and puts on the Sam Reiser mask.
Overall I felt like Six Innings by James Preller was an extraordinary read. You could find every type of genre in this one book, that is why I loved it so much. I would recommend this book to people 15+ and to anyone who finds sport books entertaining. Anyone who LOVES a book where a character gets lost in himself and in the ends finds their self would love Six Innings by James Preller.
January 26, 2016
The novel Six Innings stars a young boy who loves baseball, but is diagnosed with cancer, and the only way he can participate with baseball games is to announce. This novel tells about a journey through a baseball championship game and a friendship that is losing hope. Sam and Mike are great friends but there friendship is coming with new terms after Sam got cancer. The baseball diamond will be the only way they can determine how this friendship will go. Mike feels guilty for playing baseball without his best friend Sam. Sam and Mike strive to keep there friendship together and both come out as winners.
Sam and Mike had a very "special" relationship as two very good friends. They hangout with each other everyday day. Until one day Same was diagnosed with cancer. That broke Mike's heart because then he knew Sam and him would never have the same relationship as they did before. He was heart broken. Mike and Sam have not hanged out since he got cancer. They just separated. Mike asks Sam all the time to hang out and do other fun things but Sam doesn't want to. Sam feels like he is different from others. Like they make fun of him behind his back or he doesn't fit in.
Mike feels horrible about everything. He feels he should't play baseball without Sam. Mike refuses to play, He is still on the baseball team but he chooses to sit the bench. I feel as if this is the right thing to do. He is being loyal and a good friend to Sam. Sam's dad is the baseball coach of Mike's team so it makes it hard for Sam to sit in the booth and announce. But he loves it and enjoys every second he can interact with baseball.
The book Six Innings is a book about just more than a championship game of baseball. Its about friendship and overcoming hard times. Sam and Mike are in a battle that is very hard to overcome. Doing what you love or being a good friend and helping him defeat this tough battle. Helping him fight threw cancer.
Sam and Mike had a very "special" relationship as two very good friends. They hangout with each other everyday day. Until one day Same was diagnosed with cancer. That broke Mike's heart because then he knew Sam and him would never have the same relationship as they did before. He was heart broken. Mike and Sam have not hanged out since he got cancer. They just separated. Mike asks Sam all the time to hang out and do other fun things but Sam doesn't want to. Sam feels like he is different from others. Like they make fun of him behind his back or he doesn't fit in.
Mike feels horrible about everything. He feels he should't play baseball without Sam. Mike refuses to play, He is still on the baseball team but he chooses to sit the bench. I feel as if this is the right thing to do. He is being loyal and a good friend to Sam. Sam's dad is the baseball coach of Mike's team so it makes it hard for Sam to sit in the booth and announce. But he loves it and enjoys every second he can interact with baseball.
The book Six Innings is a book about just more than a championship game of baseball. Its about friendship and overcoming hard times. Sam and Mike are in a battle that is very hard to overcome. Doing what you love or being a good friend and helping him defeat this tough battle. Helping him fight threw cancer.
September 18, 2016
This book was an awesome read. It was about two teams in the little league championship game, battling for the title. The story felt so real you almost forget you're reading a book. You feel like it's on live tv. This exciting game not only showed who the true champ was, but it also contained deeper-meaning. It showed the relationship between true friends and how they always stay by your side, even in tough times. I would recommend this book to those who love sports and to those who love short, quick reads.
August 25, 2010
In the story Six Innings: A Game in the Life author James Preller explores the connection between baseball and the lives of the young boys who are playing for the championship. Most adults believe that childhood sports are just a way to keep our kids busy and out of trouble. However, we learn, inning by inning, that these games mirror life.
Told in third person narrative, the prologue, called "Pregame," introduces the reader to thirteen year old Sam Reiser. He awakes on the morning of the big championship game to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. His first thoughts include the fact that he won't be playing in the game and that he needs to call for his parents to use the bathroom. The reader senses his love of the game and his frustration at being so dependent; "Sam never "decided" to think about baseball, just as he never "decided" to have black hair. He awoke and baseball was there, a hanging curveball in his consciousness, white leather wrapped around a cushioned cork core, hovering in the center of his mind. Baseball was always there."
With a drawing of a baseball diamond to open chapter one, the rosters of each team are revealed, as well as the "Special Rules" for the game. Each subsequent chapter is an inning with a drawing of the scorecard and titles such as; "Chapter 3: Top of the Second." The innings not only reveal the events of the game, but we get a closer look at the lives of the characters as they come up to bat. The story is immersed with baseball vernacular, and we get a sense that the teams are the types of teams one would find in real life. There is the bully pitcher, the young, inexperienced outfielder, and the hotdog shortstop. Sam, who has played baseball for much of his young life, would be the announcer for the game, his only way to participate during this difficult year.
Sam reminds me of my disabled nephew. Michael loved sports and was an active athlete. Eventually, his disability made him unable to play so he became the voice of his high school. As a spectator in my nephew's struggle to participate, I am impressed at how realistically Preller portrays Sam's frustrations. When his best friend Mike makes his way to the announcer's booth, he and Sam struggle to communicate. Mike is afraid to say the wrong thing, Sam doesn't want sympathy. The author demonstrates this struggle; "…the two friends sit lost in their separate thoughts. They watch through the pane as the game unfolds below."
As the reader gets caught up in the game, the deeper stories of the players are revealed. Writing from the viewpoint of the youngsters, Preller captures the excitement of the game and the realism of the players' diverse family backgrounds and situations. Baseball enthusiasts will enjoy the language of the story, as will readers who like realistic fiction. Six Innings is a story about baseball, friendship, and dealing with the "curveballs" of life!
Told in third person narrative, the prologue, called "Pregame," introduces the reader to thirteen year old Sam Reiser. He awakes on the morning of the big championship game to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. His first thoughts include the fact that he won't be playing in the game and that he needs to call for his parents to use the bathroom. The reader senses his love of the game and his frustration at being so dependent; "Sam never "decided" to think about baseball, just as he never "decided" to have black hair. He awoke and baseball was there, a hanging curveball in his consciousness, white leather wrapped around a cushioned cork core, hovering in the center of his mind. Baseball was always there."
With a drawing of a baseball diamond to open chapter one, the rosters of each team are revealed, as well as the "Special Rules" for the game. Each subsequent chapter is an inning with a drawing of the scorecard and titles such as; "Chapter 3: Top of the Second." The innings not only reveal the events of the game, but we get a closer look at the lives of the characters as they come up to bat. The story is immersed with baseball vernacular, and we get a sense that the teams are the types of teams one would find in real life. There is the bully pitcher, the young, inexperienced outfielder, and the hotdog shortstop. Sam, who has played baseball for much of his young life, would be the announcer for the game, his only way to participate during this difficult year.
Sam reminds me of my disabled nephew. Michael loved sports and was an active athlete. Eventually, his disability made him unable to play so he became the voice of his high school. As a spectator in my nephew's struggle to participate, I am impressed at how realistically Preller portrays Sam's frustrations. When his best friend Mike makes his way to the announcer's booth, he and Sam struggle to communicate. Mike is afraid to say the wrong thing, Sam doesn't want sympathy. The author demonstrates this struggle; "…the two friends sit lost in their separate thoughts. They watch through the pane as the game unfolds below."
As the reader gets caught up in the game, the deeper stories of the players are revealed. Writing from the viewpoint of the youngsters, Preller captures the excitement of the game and the realism of the players' diverse family backgrounds and situations. Baseball enthusiasts will enjoy the language of the story, as will readers who like realistic fiction. Six Innings is a story about baseball, friendship, and dealing with the "curveballs" of life!
December 12, 2008
My love of baseball is rooted in my earliest memories: the sound of a game on the radio, going to a game at old Cleveland Stadium with my dad--it speaks of summer to me. I was never a player; I did not like being dragged to my brother's little league games, and I often prayed for a thunderstorm during my son's playing days, nevertheless I love the game. I enjoy reading about it because people who write well about baseball love the game so much, regard and reverence flows out of their fingertips and onto the page--they can't help it.
Reading this book was a joy. The bittersweet stories of each of the boys on Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies Team are skillfully woven into the action of their Championship Game against Northeast Gas & Electric--and it's only 143 pgs(!). Some of these kids are playing their last game, ever, as other interests claim their time; a handful will move on to the Babe Ruth league, but for this space in time they are together playing the game of their lives.
Beyond the action of the game (kept me on the edge of my seat!) the story of two friends unfolds--both of them dealing with a great change that has come between them. Have a hanky handy!
Watch for the nods toward classic baseball films.
Favorite quotes:
"Sam Reiser leans back and savors the moment. He is now completely caught up in the game. Everything else falls away, all life's distractions, like a skin that's been shed. He doesn't worry about his hair, or homework, or doctors. He isn't concerned about tomorrow. That's what baseball gives him, the urgency of here and now."
"On the field, baseball is a game of isolation, nine singular outposts of shared solitude, for every player is ultimately alone. You are a "team" immediately before and after each play. You wear the same uniform, you lift up and support each other. But in the decisive moment, when games are won and lost, on one else can catch the ball for you. In everyday life, however, sometimes there's a helping hand."
I'll pair it with Deborah Wiles' Aurora County All-Stars
Reading this book was a joy. The bittersweet stories of each of the boys on Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies Team are skillfully woven into the action of their Championship Game against Northeast Gas & Electric--and it's only 143 pgs(!). Some of these kids are playing their last game, ever, as other interests claim their time; a handful will move on to the Babe Ruth league, but for this space in time they are together playing the game of their lives.
Beyond the action of the game (kept me on the edge of my seat!) the story of two friends unfolds--both of them dealing with a great change that has come between them. Have a hanky handy!
Watch for the nods toward classic baseball films.
Favorite quotes:
"Sam Reiser leans back and savors the moment. He is now completely caught up in the game. Everything else falls away, all life's distractions, like a skin that's been shed. He doesn't worry about his hair, or homework, or doctors. He isn't concerned about tomorrow. That's what baseball gives him, the urgency of here and now."
"On the field, baseball is a game of isolation, nine singular outposts of shared solitude, for every player is ultimately alone. You are a "team" immediately before and after each play. You wear the same uniform, you lift up and support each other. But in the decisive moment, when games are won and lost, on one else can catch the ball for you. In everyday life, however, sometimes there's a helping hand."
I'll pair it with Deborah Wiles' Aurora County All-Stars
June 15, 2017
I was very surprised when i read this book. It was recommended to me and i expected it to be just a sports book but it was much more. the main character Sam is diagnosed with cancer and is unable to play in the little league championship game. Sam´s best friend is on the team as well and this book shows their friendship persevere through tough times. The theme is that no matter how good the other team is or how bad your odds of surviving is you must persevere and never loose hope. I recommend this book to anyone who likes sports books or books about tough times.
September 12, 2008
Told in 6 innings from the perspective of the players on the field, this book that seems like a sports story actually is a "feeling story for boys." I'm still trying to decide if I liked it, but guarantee it is a unique turn on the sports story.
November 20, 2008
One Sentence Review: The more I think about it the better this book becomes until I'm verily kicking myself repeatedly for not officially reviewing it in 2008.
January 31, 2017
The novel Six Innings was a good book. Two players (Sam and Mike) playing in the championship game had a really good friendship. Unfortunately Sam was diagnosed with cancer and wasn't able to play the game. Mike didn't want to play the game without Sam so he decided to sit the bench. Sam was the announcer of the game. I feel like if you have a good friendship with another person you shouldn't make them feel bad for something they love to do. Mike did the right thing for a good friend and decided not to play the championship game. I like this book because it shows how good Mike and Sam's friendship is. I feel like it shows an example of a good thing in life to do for others. Mike was there for Sam in hard times he helped him battle through cancer.
March 26, 2018
I thought this was a good book but could be boring for someone who isn't interested in baseball. There is twelve chapters in this book, and each chapter is half of an inning. Someone who doesn't follow or enjoy baseball would get bored because the author, James Preller went into detail and described every pitch and every play. You could tell that James Preller really likes baseball and put a lot of effort into this book. I really liked this book because I have played baseball for most of my life and get more excited with every detail and feel the suspense of every pitch. The main characters, Sam and Mike are best friends who's little league teams get are playing in the championship game but Sam can't play because of his leukemia. Mike decides that If sam can't play than neither will he.
November 6, 2017
In my opinion the book, Six Innings, by James Preller is page turning realistic fiction book. One reason Six Innings is a grabber is that you never knew what was going to happen next in the championship game if there was going to be a hit, a strikeout, or a walk. One piece of text evidence that show this is a thriller you can not put down is when it said in the rising action,“ Scooter is right about the nest pitch and rips it down the rightfield line, foul about ten inches.”This show it is because you don’t know what Scooter is going to do groundout, walk, or get a hit and it makes you want to keep reading. If you like sports books that build tension, Six Innings is the book for you.
May 5, 2017
I think the theme of the story is "baseball is life" Sam, even though he can't play, still goes and watches the game. He is suffering from cancer and still makes sure he watches his teammates. I don't have cancer, but with a broken thumb, I still go and watch my team's games. I would like the book to go on, but "baseball is life", it's always somewhere.
August 10, 2017
I like how Preller made it a city championship game, so it wasn't completely stereotypical. While some of the events were a little too easy (especially revolving around the student announcer), the characters were priceless. Ty-Ty smash!
January 12, 2024
it is a heartwarming story about a young baseball player named Sam. The book follows Sam as he navigates through six innings of a Little League championship game. Along the way, he faces challenges on and off the field, including dealing with bullying and learning the importance of working with a team. through the game, Sam learns valuable lessons about perseverance, Friendships, and the power of believing in yourself. It is an inspiring read for anyone who loves baseball and wants to learn about the game of life.
The author, James Preller, did a good job showing the excitement and intensity of a little league baseball game. The way he portrayed the characters and their emotions made the story really relatable. the book also touches important themes like friendship, teamwork, and standing up to people who bully, which are valuable lessons for young readers.
I reccogmend this book to the people that like sports and action.
The author, James Preller, did a good job showing the excitement and intensity of a little league baseball game. The way he portrayed the characters and their emotions made the story really relatable. the book also touches important themes like friendship, teamwork, and standing up to people who bully, which are valuable lessons for young readers.
I reccogmend this book to the people that like sports and action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2017
This book was good but if you are not interested in baseball 100% then i don't recommend this book for you cause it talks about baseball and baseball cards and position.
October 19, 2017
I like baseball and this book was about six innings of baseball and the championshp game goes in to the 11th inning.
December 14, 2017
If you like baseball you should read Six Innings. It gives you interesting points of view shown by different characters. Six Innings is also about friendship and overcoming obstacles.
February 21, 2019
I liked this book because baseball is my favorite sport and the kids were my age so I understood it.
January 13, 2022
It was a good book that had was very detailed.
April 7, 2023
Overall, I thought that this book was decent. I decided to read it because it looked like a short, yet very strong book. It somewhat matched my strong expectations of it. I can relate to this book because I have been on sports teams at a young age, and I learned many lessons like these kids. I thought that this book did present very strong themes and lessons surrounding the important ideas of teamwork and friendship and passion. I, unfortunately, found the book to be a little bit slow and not super action-filled, and I feel that unless you are super into baseball and sports, you won't be able to make any connections to it. I did like how the whole story was about the championship game that the kids were playing in. I liked how the book is third person, where the author gave us a look at every kid's tough past and how they all came together to be friends and be on a team doing something they love. I would recommend it to kids who are into baseball, adults who like baseball, or anyone who is on a team. Overall, I thought the book was decent and well-written, but I didn't have the greatest reading experience with it.
April 14, 2014
Championship Game
The book I am reviewing is called Six Innings by James Preller. The book is about a championship game for a little league baseball team. This book was published in 2008. The teams are Northeast Gas & Electric vs. Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies. Sam, who has cancer and is in a wheelchair, has to call play by play instead of participating in the game.
I thought Six Innings was a good book. The setting takes place at a little league park. The main character Sam is the announcer. It all starts with Northeast Gas & Electric have a fire-balling pitcher that Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies can't hit. Both teams have great hitters and pitchers. Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies has a great defense while Northeast Gas & Electric have the best hitters in the league! It's basically a showdown of number one offense vs. the number one defense! Trust me on this one, it was a big showdown!
I agree with everything in the book. A very sweet, balanced story that baseball fans and those who have played baseball will enjoy it. There is one thing that I disagree with. The book is told from way too many point of views. The book basically suggests that just because that other team is better, doesn't mean you can't beat them. So, keep trying, don't give up and you can reach your goals. I like the parts in the book when Sam Reiser the announcer goes crazy over who was on deck or made a ridiculously good play.
I recommend that you baseball fans out there read Six Innings. It tells that you shouldn't give up and just keep trying. I give Six Innings four and a half stars out of five. This is the only book in the series. I liked the author James Preller. Overall, I liked the book.
The book I am reviewing is called Six Innings by James Preller. The book is about a championship game for a little league baseball team. This book was published in 2008. The teams are Northeast Gas & Electric vs. Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies. Sam, who has cancer and is in a wheelchair, has to call play by play instead of participating in the game.
I thought Six Innings was a good book. The setting takes place at a little league park. The main character Sam is the announcer. It all starts with Northeast Gas & Electric have a fire-balling pitcher that Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies can't hit. Both teams have great hitters and pitchers. Earl Grubbs Pool Supplies has a great defense while Northeast Gas & Electric have the best hitters in the league! It's basically a showdown of number one offense vs. the number one defense! Trust me on this one, it was a big showdown!
I agree with everything in the book. A very sweet, balanced story that baseball fans and those who have played baseball will enjoy it. There is one thing that I disagree with. The book is told from way too many point of views. The book basically suggests that just because that other team is better, doesn't mean you can't beat them. So, keep trying, don't give up and you can reach your goals. I like the parts in the book when Sam Reiser the announcer goes crazy over who was on deck or made a ridiculously good play.
I recommend that you baseball fans out there read Six Innings. It tells that you shouldn't give up and just keep trying. I give Six Innings four and a half stars out of five. This is the only book in the series. I liked the author James Preller. Overall, I liked the book.
January 23, 2011
I just read the book Six Innings by James Preller and it was a very good book. I chose this book because i needed a size-able book to read to finish 2 books before the quarter ended, i also chose it because when i saw it on my shelf it was a baseball book and i remember how much i liked that book so i thought i would read it again. A specific thing i really liked about this book was how descriptive it was. Every character and every part of the book there would be a description on their personalities and like how they did in baseball, and it just gave you a good idea of what the character looked like and acted like. Like i could see in my head what was going on it felt like a movie in my head. There was one part at the end that surprised me, i didn't really remember many details from when i last read this book. So it felt like i was reading it for the first time, but one part which i'm not going to spoil. I don't feel that it should be changed because it ended very well either way. This makes me want to read more baseball books because as i was reading this i remembered when i read the book Heat by Mike Lupica and i remembered how much i loved that book and how good of a story it was. Also more books about little league because it all seems more intense on the kids. Especially because i know what it feels like because i played in a championship little league game before and i could make connections to the book. This book was very good i think anyone who likes sports should read this.
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July 14, 2013SIX INNINGS by James Preller is not your typical baseball novel. Yes, there is spot-on play-by-play action and accurate details about little league baseball, but there is a lot more. Preller brings life to his characters that create much stronger connections for readers than simple sporting fun.
It is the championship game. The young players on both teams and their coaches are hoping for a win in this final game of the season. Each player seems to have a different reason for playing. Some are dedicated to the game and picture themselves playing long into their futures. Others are just as happy that this is the end of the season and also the end of their baseball careers.
Sam Reiser is at the center of all the action, but not because he is the star player. Sam is the announcer for the game. He longs to be on the field in the thick of things, but as the story unfolds, readers learn that Sam has cancer and isn't able to handle the rigors of actual play. As long as he can stay focused on the action and narrate it for the fans, he is able to deal with the physical exhaustion, the nausea, the hair loss, and the fact that he may never play again.
With each successive inning, readers learn about the key players and their motivation on and off the field. Preller's unique presentation of the game will enable readers to relate to players whose attitudes about baseball might reflect their own. There is a little something for everyone in this one of a kind sports thriller.
It is the championship game. The young players on both teams and their coaches are hoping for a win in this final game of the season. Each player seems to have a different reason for playing. Some are dedicated to the game and picture themselves playing long into their futures. Others are just as happy that this is the end of the season and also the end of their baseball careers.
Sam Reiser is at the center of all the action, but not because he is the star player. Sam is the announcer for the game. He longs to be on the field in the thick of things, but as the story unfolds, readers learn that Sam has cancer and isn't able to handle the rigors of actual play. As long as he can stay focused on the action and narrate it for the fans, he is able to deal with the physical exhaustion, the nausea, the hair loss, and the fact that he may never play again.
With each successive inning, readers learn about the key players and their motivation on and off the field. Preller's unique presentation of the game will enable readers to relate to players whose attitudes about baseball might reflect their own. There is a little something for everyone in this one of a kind sports thriller.
June 26, 2009
I'm glad I didn't read this book until the midst of baseball season, because that put me in the right frame of mind. While I liked that it clarified the rules for Little League, I thought including the line-ups each time there was a change was a bit much. Also, I understand why the author didn't initially tell us what was wrong with Sam to prevent him from playing this year, but I think he may have taken it too far. That said, this is one of the best books of characters I've read in quite a while. The boys are different and three-dimensional, and uniquely kids. From Dylan, the left-handed pitcher to Branden, the smart catcher with the gift of amnesia (OK, forget that at bat, move on to the next thing) to Carter, who's still dealing with his father's death, these kids have stories of their own that mesh and create an interesting team dynamic. However, the best characters made me laugh out loud: the diametrically opposed Sweeney twins (aptly nicknamed "the Right Sweeney" and "the Wrong Sweeney" by their coach) and Tyler Weinberg, whose sole purpose in life is to "smash." This is childhood characters done right.
August 25, 2022
I just reread this old favorite of mine and, damn, it's short but as good as I remembered.
It's just the story of a baseball match, a little league final between two teams called "Northeast Gas & Electric" vs "Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies". It's basically a play by play description of the game, from the point of view of the "Earl Grubb's" players.
That sounds awful, I know, but it's written with so much passion for the game, and with such a heart-felt examination of the characters, their motivations, their hopes and fears, that it's more entertaining and moving than it has any right to be. It's a book about baseball, of course, but also about friendship, and the joys and sorrows of team sports.
If you have no familiarity at all with baseball you can get a bit lost in the technicalities, but the passion still comes through.
Just another reminder that really good children's literature can be enjoyed by adults, and if you have a kid who likes sports, this is a great choice as a gift.
It's just the story of a baseball match, a little league final between two teams called "Northeast Gas & Electric" vs "Earl Grubb's Pool Supplies". It's basically a play by play description of the game, from the point of view of the "Earl Grubb's" players.
That sounds awful, I know, but it's written with so much passion for the game, and with such a heart-felt examination of the characters, their motivations, their hopes and fears, that it's more entertaining and moving than it has any right to be. It's a book about baseball, of course, but also about friendship, and the joys and sorrows of team sports.
If you have no familiarity at all with baseball you can get a bit lost in the technicalities, but the passion still comes through.
Just another reminder that really good children's literature can be enjoyed by adults, and if you have a kid who likes sports, this is a great choice as a gift.
May 6, 2015
Six Innings: A Game in the Life; written by: James Preller; Copyright 2008, 147 pg.
*Contemporary Realistic Fiction #2 Novel*
The day of the Little League Championship is here, and there is a lot on the line for Sam and his teammates. Dam wants to play so badly, but he must announce the game from the sideline due to his health issues, cancer. This team of twelve year-olds actually have all brought their own issues, struggles, and strengths to the team. While the game continues on throughout the book, we learn of the background stories of many of the characters.
I enjoyed this book because it isn't just about baseball, as you might think frm the cover. It's a story of friendships, struggles, and challenges that all of the team members have to go through. Begin able to support each other and lift each other up is a core component to a team, and this book demonstrates that with flying colors. Because of some of the more sensitivfe subjects brought up in this book, such as cancer, I would recommend this book for older ages, possibly 4th through 7th graders.
*Contemporary Realistic Fiction #2 Novel*
The day of the Little League Championship is here, and there is a lot on the line for Sam and his teammates. Dam wants to play so badly, but he must announce the game from the sideline due to his health issues, cancer. This team of twelve year-olds actually have all brought their own issues, struggles, and strengths to the team. While the game continues on throughout the book, we learn of the background stories of many of the characters.
I enjoyed this book because it isn't just about baseball, as you might think frm the cover. It's a story of friendships, struggles, and challenges that all of the team members have to go through. Begin able to support each other and lift each other up is a core component to a team, and this book demonstrates that with flying colors. Because of some of the more sensitivfe subjects brought up in this book, such as cancer, I would recommend this book for older ages, possibly 4th through 7th graders.
November 22, 2011
The frame of the story is a little league baseball that lasts six innings. As the game is played though we learn about the lives of the boys of Earl Gubb's Pool Supplies.
Add a star or two if you are a boy and/or know something about baseball. It was a good story. One problem with it was I don't know a lot about baseball. I am sure a baseball fan would find the story much more interesting.
The other problem was at the begining it was hard to keep all the characters staight. The author like Les Mes keeps switiching the point of view. After a while though I got use to it and was able to keep the characters straight. Especially as I figured out who was important to remember and who was not.
The author does try to provide memory clues for the reader.
Held my intrest even though I am not a sports fan. I am sure a sports fan would enjoy the book even more. Added plus the book falls into the realistic genere.
Add a star or two if you are a boy and/or know something about baseball. It was a good story. One problem with it was I don't know a lot about baseball. I am sure a baseball fan would find the story much more interesting.
The other problem was at the begining it was hard to keep all the characters staight. The author like Les Mes keeps switiching the point of view. After a while though I got use to it and was able to keep the characters straight. Especially as I figured out who was important to remember and who was not.
The author does try to provide memory clues for the reader.
Held my intrest even though I am not a sports fan. I am sure a sports fan would enjoy the book even more. Added plus the book falls into the realistic genere.
May 3, 2009
I originally picked up Six Innings from the new arrivals shelf in the library, slightly dreading to read it because I don’t read many sports books. However, by the end I really enjoyed the book overall. The whole book centers on one minor league championship baseball game, played by several 11-13 year old boys. Each chapter of the book is divided into a half of an inning, starting with the continuing score at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the new batting order. The main plot of the book consists of the game itself, detailing each batter, each catch, etc. The writing is extremely descriptive and creative. In the midst of describing the game details, the book focuses in on several of the players, giving their life and family circumstances, and giving us a little insight into how they are viewed by their peers.
July 20, 2009
The setting of this story, told from multiple viewpoints, is at the Little League championship game. Intermixed are several interwoven stories about several of the players themselves. What I really liked is even the other team's players, including the feared pitcher, is treated with some respect and humanity. Also mixed in is the story of two best friends, Sam and Mike, and how the former's diagnosis of cancer has affected that friendship. A very sweet, balanced story that baseball fans and those who have played baseball will enjoy. My one quibble is that the story is told from too many points of view, and I know I had trouble keeping the characters straight. At the very least, there should have been dividers or something to designate the frequent view changes.
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