Me, Johnny, and The Babe

Me, Johnny, and The Babe, By Mark Wirtshafter, Free 

This is the story of two 12-year-old boys who were best friends growing up on the mean streets of the Kensington section of Philadelphia. It chronicles their friendship and the conflicts that they faced. It also tells the remarkable, untold true story of how Babe Ruth came to their local parish to play in one incredible baseball game. On a September day in 1923, Babe Ruth was whisked away from the Yankees game to play charity baseball to raise money to pay off the debt for their field. That day would forever change the lives of these two friends.

Coming of age in the era of prohibition two young boys find themselves facing the many challenges and dangers of the inner-city. Their love of baseball is their guiding light and source of hope. The improbable events that unfolded during Babe Ruth’s appearance at Boger Field have been lost in baseball history. From the moment Babe put on the Ascension of Our Lord Parish uniform and took the field against the Lit Brother’s team baseball folklore was made.

Baby Grand Legacy

Baby Grand Legacy, Book 1 of the Baby Grand (Desiree of Darlington) Series, by Bill Ellingsen, free

Unlikely hero Kevin Johnson has to spend the summer in rural Wisconsin with estranged grandparents. Expecting isolation and boredom, he instead finds grandparents that should have been in his life years ago, a role in cleaning-up the tarnished family racing legacy, and a bedazzling pianist named Desiree. 

Kevin had been kept from his grandparents because of his snooty father’s shame over the family scandal. Kevin’s great-grandfather Paul drove Indy cars for a notorious gangster during the Golden Age of Sports, ending up behind bars as a result of it. Although Kevin knows nothing about mechanics, his retired mechanical engineer grandfather says he is going to help him restore an antique race car like the one Paul drove in the 1927 Indianapolis 500. And while the car they are restoring will resemble the original, it turns out that Kevin is the spitting image of Paul. They aren’t just refurbishing an old racer, they’re out to clear Paul’s name. 

Other Books in the Series: Baby Grand Conspiracy, Baby Grand Opportunity 

The Rivalry

The Rivalry, by Phil Wohl, free

The Rivalry is the inspirational story of Pete Berman, a typical high school student who becomes memorable once he steps on the basketball court. The West Valley Rockets are perennial doormats for the Fellingwood Rams until Pete sets his sights on turning the tables. The story is center stage for Pete’s intense rivalry with Gerry Williams, Fellingwood’s star player, who has dominated the county’s basketball league.

As the story progresses, Pete’s on-court wizardry also fuels his confidence in both social and scholastic settings. The once introverted homebody transforms into a man who can’t wait to experiment with his newly found activities.

The book’s basketball scenes puts you right in the middle of the court, bumping and jockeying for position with opposing players. The story also gives the reader insight into the mind of a teenager, and all of the complex and often primitive emotions of the high school experience. 

Throwback

Throwback, by Dave Conifer, free

It wasn't long before the kid from North Carolina had made friends at his new high school in Jersey. Ben is the kind of guy that everybody likes. He's the star of the wrestling team and he's spending a lot of time with Judy Voorst. So what's the problem? Ben Petrovic has a secret. He’s not who everybody thinks he is.