Jake is a part of an extraordinary family.
He has a life filled with art, music, and long summer nights on the Cape. He has hours and days and months of baseball. But, more than anything in this world, Jake knows he has Edward. From the moment he was born, Jake knew Edward was destined for something. Edward could make anyone laugh and everyone think. During one special year, he became the only one in the neighborhood who could throw a perfect knuckleball. It was a pitch you could not hit. That same year, Jake learned there are also some things you cannot hold.
Patricia MacLachlan, one of the most beloved children's book authors writing today, has painted a deeply stirring, delicately lyrical portrait of a child, a son, a family, and a brother. Through Edward's eyes, we see what gifts all of these things truly are to those around them, and how those gifts live on and grow.
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"Patricia MacLachlan is a really great author, able to capture so well characters and emotions. This book is a poignant, beautiful story about people caring for each other and becoming family for each other...and more...but I don't want to give it away. It's short! You should check it out from the library. It's going to be my next readaloud chapter book in my classroom."
— Julia (4 out of 5 stars)
" This BOOK WAS AWSOME! But some of the parts were very sad. But overal it was a really good book. I think everyone should read this book! "
— Diamond, 1/19/2014" This is a seriously touching book. I would have given it five stars, except it made me cry. And I HATE to cry! "
— Mandi, 1/13/2014" It was ok, but the cover was kind of misleading. Before I read it I thought of Edward as a baseball wild boy, but he is not that at all. He is smart, speaks french(read it to mike and he could translate the french parts) and is just kind of different. It was sad at the end, but you could see it coming. "
— Lucy, 1/4/2014" This book is great. It's fast paced and I think it will grab kids attention. It will however, make you cry. "
— Nicole, 12/22/2013" Patricia MacLachlan's books are amazing and I can add this one to the list. Her books touch my heart. "
— Karen, 12/13/2013" This book made me CRY!!! It was so sweet! "
— Ashley, 11/7/2013" A very very sad book. "
— Jacob, 10/28/2013" This is a sweet and touching story, one that will stay with me for a while. The writing is descriptive and beautiful, but the first 2/3 does not have much plot, and a lot of character names was a little confusing to me at first. I would be curious to know if 4th/5th graders like it. "
— Becky, 9/27/2013" An amazing story. Short but powerful. Emotional. Moving. Wonderful. Might need a tissue when you read it. I will be sharing and recommending this one. "
— Alyson, 9/21/2013" This book was great it was so sad!! "
— Arelie, 7/24/2013" Like this author, but this book is too spare; I couldn't follow it. "
— Jerianna, 6/22/2013" A simple yet elegant story. "
— Jean, 4/27/2013" I have to admit that I was a little confused at first when reading this one. But boy did it hit me and come together for me! A powerful story of a little boy who loved baseball! There's more to it than that, but I'll let you find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed! "
— Shannon, 12/24/2012" Clever and poignant. I can see this being an award winner of some sort this year! "
— Lori, 11/6/2012" An awesome book!!!!! It's sad and funny. "
— Kayla, 2/16/2012" This is a great story about a little boy that can play baseball and is loved by every member of his family. Edward is charged with taking care of the new baby that is brought home. "
— Penny, 11/24/2011" Good story, but such a downer. I didn't like that Edward was so perfect. "
— Laura, 11/8/2011" A beautifully written story from a master teller. Edwards family has to find a way to deal with his sudden and unexpected death. They find that donating his eyes to a worthy recipient is just the thing. "
— Melanie, 10/12/2011" Excellent book. Totally made me cry, but an excellent quick read. "
— Anna, 5/16/2011" I loved thisbook.The book hooked me in .I cried when Edward died<br/> "
— Alexandra, 4/16/2011" Sad book. Not easy for me to read. "
— Judith, 3/30/2011" Lovely, but a little too implausible for me. I felt manipulated, as if I were being forced to care (which, of course, I did). "
— Judy, 3/21/2011" Great read for big thinking on symbolism. "
— Jennifer, 2/11/2011" Simply and beautifully done. Will make you cry. Can read it in an hour. "
— Jamie, 1/26/2011" This BOOK WAS AWSOME! But some of the parts were very sad. But overal it was a really good book. I think everyone should read this book! "
— Diamond, 1/21/2011" Awesome book. So sad! Our 5th grade teacher read it to us. But really? The ending? It's a bit too sad. I still give it five stars. "
— Zoe, 1/20/2011" Read this with Kayla and Ruthie! We loved it! See my diagram of the characters in my photos. "
— Mrs., 1/18/2011" An amazing book. Very beautifully written with many "snapshots" of Edward & his family. The touching ending opens the door to many topics of discussion including each person's gifts to family & mankind. "
— Linda, 12/28/2010" This little book by the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, is both poetic and poignant. I read it because my 10 year old read it for school and I wanted to be able to discuss it with her. "
— Dawn, 12/17/2010Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal.
Milo Ventimiglia starred in the hit NBC show Heroes, as well as in the wildly popular Gilmore Girls. His films include Gamer alongside Gerard Butler and Armored with Laurence Fishburne.