Inspired by Derek Jeterās own life, Fair Ball is the fourth middle grade novel in the New York Times bestselling Jeter Publishing Program and focuses on the theme āthe world isnāt always fair.ā
Life isnāt always fair. You canāt control that, but you can control how you think and act when things donāt 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 heāll head to his grandparentsā house for the summer. Sure, there are finals to study for first, but Derek doesnāt mind. Maybe this year heāll get better grades than Gary. But when his best friend Dave starts to act strangely, ignoring Derek and canceling their plans, his summer isnāt looking quite so fun. Whatās going on? Doesnāt he want to be Derekās friend anymore?
Derek is so distracted by his problems with Dave that he makes a mistake in the outfield during a key playāand his team loses the game. Itās so unfair! With the championship at stake and finals looming, Derek needs to stay focused or risk everything.