Eddie Jackson loves baseball. He’s quick-thinking as a catcher, but when it’s his turn to bat, his nerves get the best of him. Last summer’s strikeout left him ready to hang up his cleats for good. Now Eddie’s back on the field and ready to face his fear—with some help from his friends.
Comeback Catcher
Discuss the Book
I Quit!
Pages 6–19
- Important Moment: Eddie recalls the game that made him quit baseball. He struck out four times. But his friends remember how he threw out two base-stealers and a runner with quick thinking.
- Ask and Share: Why did Eddie quit baseball? How do Eddie’s friends remember the game differently than Eddie does? In life, do you think it’s more important to focus on your strengths, your weaknesses, or both? Why?
Teammate Talks
Pages 20–35
- Important Moment: At practice, Big Lenny makes fun of Eddie. During a game, Eddie shares an idea for how to win with Lenny, and they win!
- Ask and Share: Why does Eddie help Lenny even though Lenny hasn’t been welcoming? What kind of teammate are you? Have you been part of a team or group that worked really well together? Not so well together?
A Big Curveball
Pages 36–51
- Important Moment: Eddie worries when he realizes he’ll be playing against DeAndre Simmons, the kid who struck him out four times last summer. Kate tells Eddie not to let DeAndre intimidate him.
- Ask and Share: Why is Eddie intimidated (feeling frightened, uncomfortable) by DeAndre Simmons? What can you do if someone or something makes you feel that way? If you were Kate, what advice would you give Eddie?
A Quick Calm Down
Pages 52–65
- Important Moment: When Eddie steps to the plate, he feels doomed. But then he takes a few seconds to calm himself—and it works! He cracks DeAndre’s curveball and then steals second base!
- Ask and Share: What does Eddie do to calm himself and get ready for DeAndre’s pitch? Does it work? Do you have strategies that you can use when you’re feeling nervous or under pressure?