Samurai Shortstop | Alan M. Gratz
Samurai Shortstop | Alan M. Gratz
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In 1890s Tokyo, young Toyo is determined to prove himself at boarding school through the exciting new sport of baseball. While Japan races toward modernization and leaves old traditions behind, Toyo continues to mourn his late uncle, a samurai who gave his life for his beliefs.
Hoping to preserve his family’s heritage, Toyo’s father begins teaching him the discipline and values of the samurai. Though his father strongly rejects baseball as a symbol of Western influence, Toyo soon discovers that the focus, honor, and perseverance he learns through samurai training help him thrive on the baseball field.
As Toyo struggles between tradition and change, he must find a way to honor his family’s samurai legacy while embracing the future of a rapidly changing Japan. Could baseball become the bridge between two worlds—or will his father never accept the game that represents everything he fears?
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About the Author
Alan Gratz was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. After a carefree but humid childhood, he attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing and later a Master's degree in English education. In addition to writing plays, magazine articles, and a few episodes of A&E's City Confidential, Alan has taught catapult building to middle schoolers, written more than 6,000 radio commercials, and lectured as a Czech university. Currently, Alan lives with his wife Wendi and daughter Jo in the high country of western North Carolina, where he enjoys reading, eating pizza, and, perhaps not too surprisingly, watching baseball.
Product details
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Publication
Speak
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Author
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Language
English
Lexile:
790L (Grade 6-8)
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Pages
280
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ISBN-13
9780142410998