Soar Audiobook

Quotes

• ★ "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, starred review

• ★ "Joan Bauer is a superb author who knows how to get readers to care about her characters . . . This book is perfect for middle school students and would make a great read-aloud.

  — School Library Connection, 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

• 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.

• ★ "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

• “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)

• “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)

• “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