Pop Flies, Robo-Pets, and Other Disasters

Written By:

Suzanne Kamata

Illustrated By:

Tracy Bishop

GR:

Lexile:

690

Total Words:

32,593

ISBN:

9781947159365

SKU: POP

Thirteen-year-old Satoshi Matsumoto spent the last three years living in Atlanta where he was the star of his middle-school baseball team – a slugger with pro potential, according to his coach. Now that his father’s work in the U.S. has come to an end, he’s moved back to his hometown in rural Japan. Living abroad has changed him, and now his old friends are suspicious of his new foreign ways. Even worse, his childhood foe Shintaro, whose dad has ties to gangsters, is in his homeroom. After he joins his new school’s baseball team, Satoshi has a chance to be a hero until he makes a major-league error. Award-winner

Free Discussion Guide

Ages 9 to 14 Grades 2 to 5 Reading Level 3 208 pages 5.25" x 7.75"

Reviews for Pop Flies

"An engaging, sports-focused, family-driven Japanese spin on the new-kid-in-school narrative."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Pop Flies really pops! A lively, fun, easy read that draws you in and keeps you guessing."
--Dori Jones Yang, author of The Forbidden Temptation of Baseball

“A heart-warming story about a baseball player who learns that teamwork is much more important than being the star of the team. I loved the family dynamics and depiction of life, and especially baseball, in Japan.”
—Shauna Holyoak, author of Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers

2021 Stepping Stones Honor Award: MiddleGrade Category
Books which promote an understanding of cultures, cultivate cooperation and/or encourage a deeper awareness of ...diversity.

Children's Fiction Winner: 2020 American Fiction Awards!

2020 Mom's Choice Awards: Recommended

2020 Northern Lights Book Award: Middle Grade Cultural Category