Congratulations to author Aaron Derr and Red Chair Press on the release of Second Chance: Baseball Buddies Book 2, a book about teamwork and friendship for middle grade readers.
"A charming book about a dynamic group of goodhearted kids featuring plenty of great baseball gameplay." ~Independent Book Review.
BONUS: Get a free discussion guide for Second Chance readers!
Second Chance
NEW RELEASE: March 4, 2025Book 2 of the Baseball Buddies Series
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Children's Baseball Books, Children's Self-Esteem Books
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $9.99
The Manatees are finally having fun this baseball season under new captain Luis. Embracing teamwork, they welcome troubled players Ty and Savannah, hoping to give them a second chance after they were kicked off a former team.
Can the Manatees learn to accept the newcomers? Can they teach Ty and Savannah to be good teammates? And can they all work together to beat the best team in the league, the Dragons?
Baseball Buddies stories explore the power of working together, accepting differences to build a team, and the lasting friendships that form when given a chance.
Praise for Second Chance
"They’re pretty good at baseball...but the reason the Manatees shine is because of their teamwork and the lack of pressure." ~Independent Book Review
"A highly amusing ‘sports-themed’ novel for 9-12 year olds. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!" ~The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Building a Team
Book 1 of the Baseball Buddies SeriesGenre: Juvenile Fiction, Children's Books on Peer Pressure, Children's Baseball Books
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $9.84
When Luis joins his new baseball team, the Manatees, things seem hopeless at first. Some of his new teammates—including "loud and obnoxious" home-run slugger Jimmie—are mean to him or to each other.
The new coach doesn’t tell the players everything to do like the old coach did. And some of the Manatees seem more interested in goofing off than in sportsmanship or working hard.
Then Coach Joe makes Luis team captain. Will Luis rise to the challenge? Can he get the Manatees to balance working hard and having fun? Will he help his teammates learn to be friends rather than compete with each other?
Baseball Buddies explores the power of working together, what it takes to build a team, and the lasting friendships that form on the baseball field.
Praise for Building a Team
- 2024 Mom's Choice Gold Award
- Readers' Choice Silver Award & 5-Star Rating
- Parent and Teacher Choice Award Winner 2024
- "An uplifting story of accepting differences, coming together, and learning the value of cooperation and competition." ~Midwest Book Review
- "A heartwarming story that will make even older readers long to take their glove out and find the nearest baseball diamond." ~Independent Book Review
- "If your child loves baseball, they will want to read this book. It shows perfectly how a team grows, how friendships are formed, and the proper way to behave in the sport—or any sport for that matter! Great images, too!" ~Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery
About the Author & Illustrators
Author Aaron Derr is a writer based just outside of Dallas, Texas. He has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing magazines and books for kids of all ages for Red Chair Press, Time For Kids, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and the Boy Scouts of America. When he’s not reading or writing, Aaron enjoys watching and playing sports with his wife and two kids. He’s learned a lot from his home team about being a good sport and building teams.
Illustrator Matt Rowe lives in Worcestershire in the United Kingdom and has turned his passion for illustration into a career spanning over twenty years. Having first started out designing humorous greetings cards, he then moved into children’s book illustration, creating a range of captivating and charming artworks. Outside the busy job of illustration, Matt enjoys running, cycling, and family walks; relishing the opportunity to recharge and find inspiration in the world around him.
Illustrator Gary LaCoste started his career 20+ years ago working on game board and toy designs for clients including Hasbro, Nickelodeon, and LEGO. About 10 years ago his focus shifted to include children's publishing. Gary has since illustrated more than 25 books and is a regular contributor to many kids' magazines, including Highlights, Time for Kids, Jack and Jill, and Clubhouse Jr. He lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and daughter. About the Publisher
Red Chair Press is an independent publisher committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
