A compelling look at the pressures of youth baseball on players, parents, and umpires. The story unfolds not in the typical way but in a series of texts, articles, and emails. It works to perfection and will engage the reading audience right to the winning final page.
Cal Klondike is the 15-year-old main character. He is the best pitcher for the Walthorne Baseball Academy with an accurate throw that strikes out batters. He is destined for great things like possible scholarships and maybe a chance to some day turn pro.
The story begins with a police report before going back 5 months to fill in the previous events. Through texts with his friends, transcripts of conversations with a school guidance counselor, and his own inner thoughts you will see the game of baseball in a whole new way.
Not only do we experience the ups and downs for Cal (injuries, his dad pushing him too hard, and decisions about playing anymore), but there are also insights into the abuse umpires take from overzealous fans.
A great story for a little league player 10 and up to read with his/her parent. This one will stay with you for a long time and hopefully cause impactful discussions to help the game of baseball be a positive experience for all. I’ve given my copy of THE RIGHT CALL to a baseball loving kid and can’t wait until we have conversations about this all-star novel.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: TODAY! April 15, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 272
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tommy Greenwald is the author of Game Changer, Rivals, and Dinged, among many other books for children. Game Changer is on eighteen state lists, was an Amazon Best Book of the Month, a YALSA Top Ten pick, and a Junior Library Guild Premier selection. Rivals was also an Amazon Best Book of the Month, a Junior Library Guild selection, and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Greenwald is also the author of the Charlie Joe Jackson series and Crimebiters! series. Day job–wise, Tommy is the cofounder of Spotco Advertising, a theatrical and entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter (with Andrew Lippa) of John & Jen, an off-Broadway musical that has been produced around the country and internationally. To read woefully outdated information about him, visit tommygreenwald.com.
Always in the Middle... 
Your review convinced me to read this one, Greg, despite the fact that I am not a baseball fan. (The only one in my family so afflicted.) It sounds like a lot of the adult involved forget that it’s a game, and kids are supposed to be having fun.