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Reviews

School Library Journal:

"A story with plenty of play-by-play action, a good plot, a valuable lesson and some interesting baseball history. . . . Bowen pitches a winner here."

Virginia Center for
Children's Books:

Fred Bowen seems a likely successor to Matt Christopher. Fred is clearly a sports nut . . . .

I just finished reading Fred's latest book, Winners Take All, and it has all the key elements to hook those reluctant readers: not too tough, strong plot, and it's about sports. This book about baseball is written on a 3rd grade reading level and the story has lots more than baseball in it. . . .I thought it was a great read and know that your reluctant readers will just love this series.

Another aspect of Fred's books that I really like is the section called "The Real Story" at the very end. It explains the things embedded in the story that really happened in the world of sports. . . What a wonderful idea to use real life sports figures and have them be a tie-in to the theme of this book. I loved it! - Joan Kindig, Ed.D

For more reviews, click here

Winners Take All
ISBN: 1-56145-229-7; $4.95
To order: Click on cover at left.

The Story

The Reds and the Cubs are battling for first place in the Rising Stars League. The Reds have got to win today's game to push ahead in the standings. Kyle, the Reds center fielder, wants to win so much that he secretly cheats — just a little — to clinch the game for his team. His teammates go wild with victory. His parents beam with pride. Suddenly Kyle feels uneasy. But what can he do? He can't turn back now.

The History

Playing fair is an important part of a baseball player's character. Christy Mathewson, one of the first players inducted into the Hall of Fame, is a good example. He was so honest that home-plate umpires would ask him to help make calls while he was playing his position in the field.

*Named to Virginia Young Readers Masterlist 2002-2003.

*Named to the Pennsylvania Young Readers Masterlist 2002-2003

*Named to The Young Hoosier Award (Indiana) Masterlist 2002-2003

*Named to The Land of Enchantment Award (New Mexico) Masterlist 2002-2003.

*Named to the Volunteer State Award (Tennessee) Masterlist 2003-2004.

*Named to Virginia Center for Children's Books' Best Books of the Classroom
2000 list.

*Named to the Reading Olympics 2001-2002 list in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

*Accelerated Reader™, Test #43757

*Scholastic Reading Counts™ title


Step up to the plate and take the Winners Take All Quiz. You will require the Shockwave plug-in to play this interactive quiz.
PLAY BALL!

Winners Take All Discussion Questions

 

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