Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story

When Luis joins his new baseball team, the Manatees, things seem hopeless at first. Some of his new teammates— including “loud and obnoxious” home-run slugger Jimmie—are mean to him or to each other. His new coach doesn’t tell the players everything to do like his old coach did. And some of the Manatees seem more interested in goofing off than in sportsmanship or working hard.
Then Coach Joe makes Luis team captain. Will Luis rise to the challenge? Can he get the Manatees to balance working hard and having fun? Will he help his teammates learn to be friends rather than compete with each other?
Baseball Buddies explores the power of working together, what it takes to build a team, and the lasting friendships that form on the baseball field.

152 pages / Ages 8 to 12  / 6" x 8" Hardcover /$16.99 (List) $12.74 S&L

AVAILABLE FROM OUR DISTRIBUTOR: LERNER

FREE Discussion Guide available.

2024 Mom's Choice Award GOLD Winner

Readers' Choice Silver Awards

   Star rating: 5 Stars

Parent and Teacher Choice Award Winner 2024

"Readers follow Luis as he learns leadership skills in a smooth, well-paced narrative that models good communication and
perseverance....A wonderful narrative for readers who love baseball that also offers valuable lessons to those who don’t."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Written by a veteran sports writer, the story of Luis and his teammates resonates as one that shows how important relationships are in athletics and other aspects of life. Readers will come away from this charning story with a better understanding of what it takes to be a good teammate in sports and in life in general." --CLCD Children's Literature

"Libraries seeking lively, accessible reads for juveniles will welcome the opportunities presented in Baseball Buddies: Building a Team to introduce classroom and reading group discussion topics to fans of the sport."  --Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
Read the full review: ‘Recommended Reading – Donovan’s Bookshelf’

"Building a Team shows readers how the Manatees become better players and people while still having fun. It is a heartwarming story that will make even older readers long to take their glove out and find the nearest baseball diamond."  --Independent Book Review

"Derr's skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this book a charming read for children and adults alike, reminding us all of the power of kindness and cooperation in creating a more vibrant and compassionate world." --The Chrysalis Brew Project

"If your child loves baseball, they will want to read this book. It shows perfectly how a team grows, how friendships are formed, and the proper way to behave in the sport. or any sport for that matter!   Great images, too!"  --Kameron Brook on Reedsy Discovery

" ...an uplifting story of accepting differences, coming together, and learning the value of cooperation and competition. Libraries seekinglively, accessible reads for juveniles will welcome the opportunities presented iin Baseball Buddies:Building a Team to introduce classroom and reading group topics to fans of the sport." --Midwest Book Review

Dyslexic Edition coming soon:  Large-Print Edition available now.

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