Promotional Information

Full of humor, heart, and baseball lore, Soar is Joan Bauer at her best.

About the Author

Joan Bauer is the author of twelve previous books for young readers. Her many awards and honors include a Newbery Honor for Hope Was Here, the LA Times Book Prize for Rules of the Road, and the Schneider Family Book Award for Close to Famous. She is also a two-time winner of the Christopher Award. Her books appear on numerous state award lists.

Reviews

Praise for Soar:

* "Jeremiah's voice is perfect: plucky, vulnerable, pragmatic, smart, and immensely endearing. Bauer masterfully manages the various plotlines. . . An outstanding, tender exploration of courage and the true nature of heroism and, for good measure, a fine homage to America's game, as well." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Bauer's latest feel-good novel is distinguished by a largehearted warmth, its able characterizations, a page-turning plot, and winning humor." -Booklist, starred review

"Sports, friendship, tragedy, and a love connection are all wrapped up in one heartwarming, page-turning story. . . This coming-of-age tale features a boy who is courageous and witty; readers-baseball fans or otherwise-will cheer on Jeremiah and this team. The latest middle grade novel from this award-winning author is triumphant and moving." -School Library Journal

"Jeremiah's enthusiasm for baseball is infectious, and he plays a major role in rebuilding and coaching a team at the middle school while lifting the sagging spirits of community members. . . Readers will feel that Jeremiah's victories are well earned and deserved." -Publishers Weekly

"This is not the predictable baseball-as-metaphor-for-life offering it seems but rather a character study in resilience and a tender evocation of a father-son relationship. 'Tender,' however, is not code for 'slow' or 'dull'; Jeremiah is a wry and witty narrator, and his take-charge (but sensible) approach to life impels the story along at a brisk clip." -BCCB

Praise for Joan Bauer's Tell Me:

"Bauer establishes a multi-faceted plot combining crime drama with a modern coming of age story. Anna's voice rings clear through first-person narration, allowing readers to sing, cry, and smell the flowers along with the protagonist. Short chapters and smart dialogue keep the pace moving. Ultimately, Bauer twists the widespread divorce issue into a lesson on empathy, inviting readers to keep their minds and eyes alert to worlds other than their own." -School Library Journal

"In this novel filled with comedy and drama. . . Bauer skillfully weaves subplots together as Rosemont citizens (and Anna's parents) rise to the challenge of solving the mystery." -Publishers Weekly

"There are numerous, valuable messages for readers here: pay attention, trust your instincts, and speak up; sometimes being brave is about small, uncertain steps that we take; and helping others helps us, too. Humor and hope are balanced throughout, making this a good recommendation for those who prefer a serious topic treated with a less heavy hand and a happy ending." -VOYA

"Bauer manages the difficult feat of folding the topic of human trafficking into a middle-grade novel about daily-life family and peer struggles; in fact, Anna's conviction that the missing girl matters is part and parcel of her character throughout, as she similarly commits whole-heartedly to her acting efforts and beloved friends. . . Readers will appreciate the story for Bauer's classic and relatable heroine who pursues her goal through adversity." -BCCB

"Bauer has done an exceptional job of informing young readers about human trafficking without being heavy-handed or speaking down to her audience." -LMC

Close to Famous: Winner of the ALA Schneider Family Book Award, Christopher Award, Judy Lopez Memorial Prize, An Amazon Top Ten Middle Grade Book, a YALSA/ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults pick; Hope Was Here: Newbery Honor Book, Christopher Award, ALA Notable Book; Rules of the Road: Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Golden Kite Award, ALA Notable Book, Best Book for Young Adults.