Inspired by Derek Jeterâs own life, Fair Ball is the fourth middle grade novel in the New York Times bestselling Jeter Publishing Program and focuses on the theme âthe world isnât always fair.â
Life isnât always fair. You canât control that, but you can control how you think and act when things donât 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 heâll head to his grandparentsâ house for the summer. Sure, there are finals to study for first, but Derek doesnât mind. Maybe this year heâll get better grades than Gary. But when his best friend Dave starts to act strangely, ignoring Derek and canceling their plans, his summer isnât looking quite so fun. Whatâs going on? Doesnât he want to be Derekâs friend anymore?
Derek is so distracted by his problems with Dave that he makes a mistake in the outfield during a key playâand his team loses the game. Itâs so unfair! With the championship at stake and finals looming, Derek needs to stay focused or risk everything.