Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs

“Koertge's pleasing variety of verse — a villanelle here, a sestina there — is a seamless fit for his story and characters.” — The Horn Book (starred review)

Ron Koertge, master of snappy dialogue and a deft poet, offers a fast-paced, sympathetic story that interweaves two narrative voices with humor and warmth. Fourteen-year old Kevin juggles his passions for poetry, baseball, and two very different girls in this funny, insightful sequel to Shakespeare Bats Cleanup.

“Koertge's pleasing variety of verse i a villanelle here, a sestina there i is a seamless fit for his story and characters. The Horn Book (starred review) The well-crafted poetry is firmly rooted in the experiences of regular teens and addresses subjects that range from breakups to baseball. Koertge works in some unobtrusive poetry instruction, and poems like Amy's funny Transylvanian limericks and Kevin's poignant reflections on "moving on" will inspire teens to try writing their own. Appealing and accessible. Booklist Whether readers are meeting Kevin for the first time or have already read the first book, they are likely to enjoy both the accessible story and Kevin's struggles with some demanding poetic structures. School Library Journal Koertge masterfully leads readers to accept that peopleiyes, even teenagersican be individuals, and that baseball and poetry are not necessarily at opposite ends of the spectrum. Well done. Kirkus Reviews The strength of both books is the seamless way Koertge shows how Kevin processes guilt, excitement, and uncertainty: with his pen. Publishers Weekly Definitely a book to read, at least once, if not more. YA Books Central blog Cuts against the stereotypes of dumb jocks and Goth poets to create a smart, every-guy protagonist whose down-to-earth voice and contemporary concerns refresh centuries-old poetic. . . . With this book, Koertge steps up to the plate -- two outs, bases loaded -- and stylistically knocks it out of the park. The Washington post Heartfelt, funny, and brilliant in every way. . . a must-read. Kendal Rautzan's Books to Borrow, Books to Buy (syndicated column) Wow i if you are celebrating April as poetry month, you need this book. If you are teaching middle-schoolers about poetry, you need this book. If you like a clever read about a boy who needs to break up with a girl who isn't right for him, then you will love this book. Winston-Salem Journal If you're looking for a way to get a sports-obsessed kid into poetry, this may be it. Hippo”

Koertge’s pleasing variety of verse – a villanelle here, a sestina there – is a seamless fit for his story and characters.
—The Horn Book (starred review)

The well-crafted poetry is firmly rooted in the experiences of regular teens and addresses subjects that range from breakups to baseball. Koertge works in some unobtrusive poetry instruction, and poems like Amy’s funny Transylvanian limericks and Kevin’s poignant reflections on “moving on” will inspire teens to try writing their own. Appealing and accessible.
—Booklist

Whether readers are meeting Kevin for the first time or have already read the first book, they are likely to enjoy both the accessible story and Kevin’s struggles with some demanding poetic structures.
—School Library Journal

Koertge masterfully leads readers to accept that people—yes, even teenagers—can be individuals, and that baseball and poetry are not necessarily at opposite ends of the spectrum. Well done.
—Kirkus Reviews

The strength of both books is the seamless way Koertge shows how Kevin processes guilt, excitement, and uncertainty: with his pen.
—Publishers Weekly

Definitely a book to read, at least once, if not more.
—YA Books Central blog

Cuts against the stereotypes of dumb jocks and Goth poets to create a smart, every-guy protagonist whose down-to-earth voice and contemporary concerns refresh centuries-old poetic. . . . With this book, Koertge steps up to the plate — two outs, bases loaded — and stylistically knocks it out of the park.
—The Washington post

Heartfelt, funny, and brilliant in every way. . . a must-read.
—Kendal Rautzan's Books to Borrow, Books to Buy (syndicated column)

Wow — if you are celebrating April as poetry month, you need this book. If you are teaching middle-schoolers about poetry, you need this book. If you like a clever read about a boy who needs to break up with a girl who isn’t right for him, then you will love this book.
—Winston-Salem Journal

If you’re looking for a way to get a sports-obsessed kid into poetry, this may be it.
—Hippo

Ron Koertge is the author of many celebrated novels, including Stoner & Spaz, Strays, and The Brimstone Journals, all American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults; Shakespeare Bats Cleanup, an American Library Association Top Ten Sports Books for Youth Selection; and The Arizona Kid, an American Library Association pick for "one of the ten funniest books of the year." A two-time winner of the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Children's Literature, Ron Koertge lives in South Pasadena, California.

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