Getting to First Base with Danalda Chase (Dutton US, Spring 2007)

Synopsis

Darcy Spillman wonders why they call kissing a girl "getting to first base." He knows everything about baseball and he thinks he likes Danalda Chase, a pretty girl in his class, but he knows nothing about dating. This has got to change. With help from his baseball-statistics-obsessed best friends; the new girl, Kamna; and former minor-leaguer Grandpa Spillman, Darcy looks for the connection between his favorite sport and his new love interest. With a kiss from Danalda Chase as the goal, he steps up to bat and swings for the fences.

This sweet and funny story is perfect for every romantically challenged preteen boy.

"Beam, in his U.S. debut, hits a grand-slam...a story that is fresh, funny and appealing to both lovers and lovers of baseball, both male and female." - Kirkus Review, Dec. 15, 2007


Getting to First Base is a hysterical book, I loved it. It's about this baseball crazy, called Darcy. After hearing kissing described as 'getting to first base' he goes about trying to get to first base with one of the popular girls at school. The consequences are many and varied. Though this is a lighthearted book, it does deal with some serious issues, and deals with them well. They don't take over the book, and are done tastefully. I would reccomend this book, with one warning, for those of you not sure what going out swinging means, or what a check swing is, READ THE CHAPTER HEADINGS, it makes the book much more enjoyable. Nominate? yes. 4Q. 4P. Alice, 13 - www.genrefluent.com