One-Handed Catch

by Mj Auch (Author)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
"Dad had asked me to give him a hand, and that's exactly what I was doing. I was fast becoming part of the fourteen-cent chopped meat special--which, I'm told, was not a big seller for the rest of the day."What would it be like to go through life with only one hand? That's exactly what eleven-year-old Norm finds out when he loses his left hand in an accident at his family's store. It's July 4, 1946. World War II has ended, and life is getting back to normal. But for Norm, the pressing question now is whether he will ever be able to play baseball again. And what about his dreams of becoming an artist? Norm can't even figure out how to tie his shoes anymore. How will he ever learn how to pitch or catch or swing a bat with no left hand? It's up to Norm to find the strength to get beyond this roadblock and move on with his life.
Select format:
Paperback
$12.99

ALA/Booklist

A strong sense of purpose, leavened by generous doses of humor and post-World War II period detail, drives this story of a resilient middle-grader who demonstrates that having one hand is an opportunity rather than a handicap . . . This story offers both inspiration and useful information, deftly wrapped in an engaging narrative.

Kirkus

Auch handles [Norm's] emotions and those of his family and friends believably and never patronizes her characters or her readers by becoming maudlin. Moving and thought-provoking.

School Library Journal

A light, humorous tale. Norm's inner voice is generally calm, and his jocular exchanges with his friend Leon provide comic relief . . . An enjoyable read on the popular theme of overcoming adversity.

Review quotes

"Quality writing and a protagonist who will inspire readers and convince them that handicaps are limitations only if you let them be." —Voice of Youth Advocates

"Kids will be fascinated with just how Norm learns to cope, and Norm won't mind a bit if they watch." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

 

Mj Auch

M.J. Auch is the award-winning author of Guitar Boy, Wing Nut and numerous other books for young readers. Books were a part of M.J.'s life from an early age; her mother was a second grade teacher who always made sure there were plenty of books in the house. M.J. now lives on a small farm in upstate NY with her husband and co-illustrator, Herm, and their two dogs, Sophie and Zeke.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780312535759
Lexile Measure
710
Guided Reading Level
U
Publisher
Square Fish
Publication date
March 20, 2009
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV005000 - Juvenile Fiction | Boys & Men
JUV016150 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - 20th Century
JUV032010 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Baseball
Library of Congress categories
-
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award
Nominee 2011 - 2011
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award
Nominee 2012 - 2012

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!