Extra Innings

Extra Innings by Robert Newton Peck, published by Harper Collins in March 2003, is a poignant exploration of loss and resilience. This 224-page book follows sixteen-year-old Tate Stonemason, whose life is turned upside down after a tragic plane crash claims his family and leaves him with a mangled leg. As he grapples with his grief and anger while living with his great-grandfather and great-aunt, Tate learns about his aunt’s past with Ethiopia’s Clowns, a Depression-era baseball team, which offers him a glimpse of hope and connection to his former dreams of playing professional baseball.

Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of death, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. Through Aunt Viddy’s joyful memories, Tate begins to navigate his sorrow and consider the possibility of a future beyond his shattered dreams. The book touches on social topics relevant to young readers, including bereavement and the impact of loss on family dynamics. Extra Innings presents a heartfelt journey of healing and self-discovery, inviting readers to reflect on the interplay between past experiences and future aspirations.