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Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip
Sometimes, the greatest comebacks take place far away from the ball field.
Meet Peter Friedman, high school freshman. Talented photographer. Former baseball star. When a freakish injury ends his pitching career, Peter has some major things to figure out. Is there life after sports? Why has his grandfather suddenly given him thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment? And is it his imagination, or is the super-hot star of the girls' swim team flirting with him, right in front of the amazing new girl in his photography class? In his new novel, teen author Jordan Sonnenblick performs his usual miraculous feat: exploring deep themes of friendship, romance, family, and tragedy, while still managing to be hilariously funny. Reading Level: Age 12 and Up
Meet Peter Friedman, high school freshman. Talented photographer. Former baseball star. When a freakish injury ends his pitching career, Peter has some major things to figure out. Is there life after sports? Why has his grandfather suddenly given him thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment? And is it his imagination, or is the super-hot star of the girls' swim team flirting with him, right in front of the amazing new girl in his photography class? In his new novel, teen author Jordan Sonnenblick performs his usual miraculous feat: exploring deep themes of friendship, romance, family, and tragedy, while still managing to be hilariously funny. Reading Level: Age 12 and Up
285 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2012
192 people are currently reading
6,222 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Sonnenblick
26books922followersI am the author of seven books for children and young adults, including Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie. So if youʼre looking for info about some other guy named Jordan Sonnenblick, youʼve got the wrong website.
Anyway, I know a lot of people are looking for stuff they can use in reports for school, so Iʼll just get this out of the way right up front:
My favorite color is blue.
I have a wife and two kids.
The best pet I ever had was a garter snake I caught when I was eight by a lake in Pennsylvania. I named the snake Hector. Then it gave birth to 20 baby snakes, so I changed its name to Hectoria.
My all-time favorite band is the Beatles, although I like a ton of different music.
My hobbies are playing the drums, guitar, and bass; riding my bicycle at least 50 miles a week; hanging out with my wife and kids; and reading.
Speaking of reading, I read a lot of different genres. As a kid, though, I mostly read fantasy, science fiction, and comic books. When I was in fourth grade, a fantasy novel called The Dark is Rising inspired me to become a novelist someday.
My favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. When I was a kid, my best friend and I used to go to Yankees games and throw open ketchup packets off the upper deck. Donʼt try that at home, kids!
Anyway, I know a lot of people are looking for stuff they can use in reports for school, so Iʼll just get this out of the way right up front:
My favorite color is blue.
I have a wife and two kids.
The best pet I ever had was a garter snake I caught when I was eight by a lake in Pennsylvania. I named the snake Hector. Then it gave birth to 20 baby snakes, so I changed its name to Hectoria.
My all-time favorite band is the Beatles, although I like a ton of different music.
My hobbies are playing the drums, guitar, and bass; riding my bicycle at least 50 miles a week; hanging out with my wife and kids; and reading.
Speaking of reading, I read a lot of different genres. As a kid, though, I mostly read fantasy, science fiction, and comic books. When I was in fourth grade, a fantasy novel called The Dark is Rising inspired me to become a novelist someday.
My favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. When I was a kid, my best friend and I used to go to Yankees games and throw open ketchup packets off the upper deck. Donʼt try that at home, kids!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 944 reviews
October 26, 2016
Having high school hanging over his head did not phase Peter as a rock-star, 8th grade pitcher/catcher extraordinaire. He & his best bud were sure to play for the JV team, making their entry into high school significantly more palatable. Until his final pitch. His freshman year was nothing he expected, but everything he needed.
I have quickly become a Jordan Sonnenblick fan & I thoroughly enjoyed this tiny tome. I can hear the ball slapping into the catcher's mitt, I can see the photographer(s) "getting the shot" and I whole-heartedly feel Peter's adoration and admiration for his grandfather.
A special note for my new ŷ friends, Ms. Heyssel's students:
No one dies in this book.
It is all-age-appropriate. I could donate this book to my Middle Grader's classroom library, but I know many high school students as well as many not-so-young-adults that would enjoy it as much as I did.
Actually---I created two brand new bookshelves just for you guys:
"no-one-dies---probably" and "student_appropriate"
Enjoy!
I have quickly become a Jordan Sonnenblick fan & I thoroughly enjoyed this tiny tome. I can hear the ball slapping into the catcher's mitt, I can see the photographer(s) "getting the shot" and I whole-heartedly feel Peter's adoration and admiration for his grandfather.
A special note for my new ŷ friends, Ms. Heyssel's students:
No one dies in this book.
It is all-age-appropriate. I could donate this book to my Middle Grader's classroom library, but I know many high school students as well as many not-so-young-adults that would enjoy it as much as I did.
Actually---I created two brand new bookshelves just for you guys:
"no-one-dies---probably" and "student_appropriate"
Enjoy!
July 31, 2017
This was a really quick read that I enjoyed. The best parts were the ones that focused on Peter and his grandfather because of all the raw emotion. I was able to relate to those moments so much especially towards the end of the book.
July 2, 2012
Moments. Those flashes of time that can feel like a lifetime or a blink of an eye. The boring, sad, painful, happy, and life altering moments somehow all add up to help make us who we are in life. Some memories and moments slip away right then and there, while others remain in our hearts and minds. The moment we decide to turn left instead of right, to keep or share a secret, ignore the pain, throw the ball, take the picture, and on and on�..A moment can change everything.
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip introduces readers to Peter Friedman. A character and story filled with heartfelt moments of pain, regret, fear, joy, and love. Peter has a lot going on—he’s starting high school, pitched his last baseball game, his Grampa is forgetting things, and he might be falling in love! :) But Jordan Sonnenblick pulls all these pieces and moments together with simple, honest, open emotion and words to form a touching and inspiring picture.
”I just kept telling myself, Chill, chill, chill. You don’t know this girl. You don’t know this girl. You don’t know this girl. Sure, she’s funny. And smart. And hot. And OH, HOLY COW, DID SHE JUST FIX HER BRA STRAP? Wait, what was I saying again?�
Boys! ;) One minute I wanted to hug and squeeze Peter to death and the very next second I wanted to smack him upside the head! Hehe� I loved Peter’s voice and humor. He stole many a laugh out of me with his honest, blushing, emotional spirit and heart. Peter’s whole idea and view of himself—what he worked and hoped for just ended. A career ending injury took baseball away from him, so now what? Who was Peter without baseball? The personal struggle to move on, forge a new purpose and way of defining oneself is a very powerful story. One we all have to face in life. This book actually pairs two powerful journeys—Peter’s grandfather is trying to hold on to who he is in this world while Peter is trying to find who he is and way in the world. Both struggles spoke to me, found a place in my heart and hit home with such power wrapped in warmth and humor.
All the characters added such heart and emotion to this story, but Peter’s best friend A.J. and the spitfire of a girl that stole his heart, Angelika, both stood out with compassion and humor. A.J. will surprise for sure! :) But it was Peter’s relationship with his Grampa that made this story special for me. What do we do when we start forgetting moments? Even the big “will-remember-forever� moments? How do we even begin to understand, move on, or ask for help? These pages portray a very sad, realistic, and scary battle with Alzheimer’s that will touch readers of all ages.
One added bonus to this book for me was Peter's love of photography. The different photography techniques and interpretations of the art were perfect companions to exhibit and capture Peter’s world. Can a photo capture a moment? I don’t want to spoil or steal the magic of these words or journey from you, so I will stop my gushing here. I already feel as if I’ve said too much. Please just read it! I can’t recommend this story enough.
Jordan Sonnenblick hit a home run with this book! :)
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip introduces readers to Peter Friedman. A character and story filled with heartfelt moments of pain, regret, fear, joy, and love. Peter has a lot going on—he’s starting high school, pitched his last baseball game, his Grampa is forgetting things, and he might be falling in love! :) But Jordan Sonnenblick pulls all these pieces and moments together with simple, honest, open emotion and words to form a touching and inspiring picture.
”I just kept telling myself, Chill, chill, chill. You don’t know this girl. You don’t know this girl. You don’t know this girl. Sure, she’s funny. And smart. And hot. And OH, HOLY COW, DID SHE JUST FIX HER BRA STRAP? Wait, what was I saying again?�
Boys! ;) One minute I wanted to hug and squeeze Peter to death and the very next second I wanted to smack him upside the head! Hehe� I loved Peter’s voice and humor. He stole many a laugh out of me with his honest, blushing, emotional spirit and heart. Peter’s whole idea and view of himself—what he worked and hoped for just ended. A career ending injury took baseball away from him, so now what? Who was Peter without baseball? The personal struggle to move on, forge a new purpose and way of defining oneself is a very powerful story. One we all have to face in life. This book actually pairs two powerful journeys—Peter’s grandfather is trying to hold on to who he is in this world while Peter is trying to find who he is and way in the world. Both struggles spoke to me, found a place in my heart and hit home with such power wrapped in warmth and humor.
All the characters added such heart and emotion to this story, but Peter’s best friend A.J. and the spitfire of a girl that stole his heart, Angelika, both stood out with compassion and humor. A.J. will surprise for sure! :) But it was Peter’s relationship with his Grampa that made this story special for me. What do we do when we start forgetting moments? Even the big “will-remember-forever� moments? How do we even begin to understand, move on, or ask for help? These pages portray a very sad, realistic, and scary battle with Alzheimer’s that will touch readers of all ages.
One added bonus to this book for me was Peter's love of photography. The different photography techniques and interpretations of the art were perfect companions to exhibit and capture Peter’s world. Can a photo capture a moment? I don’t want to spoil or steal the magic of these words or journey from you, so I will stop my gushing here. I already feel as if I’ve said too much. Please just read it! I can’t recommend this story enough.
Jordan Sonnenblick hit a home run with this book! :)
June 28, 2013
I was doing fine until the epilogue. Then came the waterworks. Always enjoy a Sonnenblick novel.
September 21, 2021
بخشهای� از کتاب:
زل زد توی چشمهای� و گفت: « پیت، هیچوق� پیر نشو. هیچوق� هیچوق� پیر نشو. »
گفتم: « چشم، حتما روز تولد شصت و پنج سالگی� خودم رو پرت میکن� زیر اتوبوس. »
اگر میخواهی� توی زندگیتا� دردسرهای زیادی نداشته باشید، توصیهٔ من به شما این است: در هیچکار� زیاد خوب نباشید.
زل زد توی چشمهای� و گفت: « پیت، هیچوق� پیر نشو. هیچوق� هیچوق� پیر نشو. »
گفتم: « چشم، حتما روز تولد شصت و پنج سالگی� خودم رو پرت میکن� زیر اتوبوس. »
اگر میخواهی� توی زندگیتا� دردسرهای زیادی نداشته باشید، توصیهٔ من به شما این است: در هیچکار� زیاد خوب نباشید.
Read
February 24, 2016When people ask me to recommend books for middle school (especially boys), I'm going to recommend Sonnenblick. This is the first book I've read by him, and I thought the writing was so engaging and the characters were all relatable and real. This story is about Peter, who injures his arm and has to give up pitching. He finds a new passion in photography. At the same time, he's dealing with high school, a girl crush, a clueless best friend and a beloved Grampa who has Alzheimers. A contemporary tween full of humor and heart.
April 27, 2016
When I first started reading this book I was very bored of it and almost quit it. When I got more towards the middle of the story, I started to like. I was recommended this book because it relates to my life. In the story Peters grandpa has Alzheimer's, my grandpa also has something similar dementia. This book I thought was good because it was about teens in high school who go through everyday life which relates to my school.
March 20, 2017
I loved this book! I thought it was interesting and always kept me on the edge of my seat. It was about a boy and his grandfather that have a special connection. He is also finding his path through high school. Overall this is a amazing book and I recommend it.
November 5, 2011
30 June 2011 CURVEBALL: THE YEAR I LOST MY GRIP by Jordan Sonnenblick, Scholastic Press, March 2012, 304p., ISBN:978-0-545-32069-6
"'And now, Fern, it's time to get ready for Sunday School. And tell Avery to get ready. And this afternoon you can tell me more about what goes on in Uncle Homer's farm. Aren't you spending quite a lot of time there? You go there almost every afternoon, don't you?'
"'I like it there,' replied Fern. She wiped her mouth and ran upstairs. After she left the room, Mrs. Arable spoke in a low voice to her husband.
"'I worry about Fern,' she said. 'Did you hear the way she rambled on about the animals, pretending that they talked?'
"Mr. Arable chuckled. 'Maybe they do talk,' he said. 'I've sometimes wondered. At any rate, don't worry about Fern -- she's just got a lively imagination. Kids think they hear all sorts of things.'
"'Just the same, I do worry about her,' replied Mrs. Arable. 'I think I shall ask Dr. Dorian about her the next time I see him. He loves Fern almost as much as we do, and I want him to know how queerly she is acting about that pig and everything. I don't think it's normal. You know perfectly well animals don't talk.'
"Mr. Arable grinned. 'Maybe our ears aren't as sharp as Fern's,' he said."
-- Elwyn Brooks (E.B.) White, who died in 1985 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease
"Angelika gave me the ball. I turned it over in my fingers, and a huge lump grew in my throat. Suddenly, in my own head, I was back on that field, two years before. We had been playing in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in a big park, and there were train tracks passing maybe a hundred feet away, parallel to the third base line. As a pitcher, the line of sight was pretty strange, too, because there was a parking lot directly behind the backstop. It was a blindingly sunny, baking-hot day, and a horrible glare was coming off this one white SUV parked right over the umpire's left shoulder.
"The grass had just been cut, and the whole place smelled a little bit like onions.
"When I came back to reality, I realized Angelika had been clicking away. Also, that she had stopped. 'Oh, my God, Pete,' she said. 'Are you crying?'"
Jordan Sonnenblick's CURVEBALL is a really sweet boy-girl story about Peter and Angelika, two high school freshmen -- Advanced Photography classmates -- who become the sports photographers for their school's yearbook. It is also a story of friendships and family and what happens as a result of Peter and his maternal grandfather each being in denial of their respective medical conditions.
Peter Friedman has been a star pitcher since he was a little kid. Two years earlier, he pitched a no-hitter in a championship game. Now, because he has kept the pain in his pitching elbow secret from everyone all season -- until the elbow falls apart -- he has to undergo serious reconstructive surgery and will never pitch again. His best friend, golden boy AJ, is also an exceptional pitcher and the two have always played catcher for each other's pitching starts. Now Peter doesn't have it in him to tell AJ the truth: there is zero chance of them becoming teammates in the spring on the high school JV squad.
Meanwhile, Peter has been placed in the Advanced Photography class as a high school freshman thanks to his lifelong close relationship with his widower grandfather, a professional photographer who makes his money shooting weddings, who has always loved taking Peter out to do nature photography, who has always photographed Peter's athletic triumphs, and who has taught Peter how to "get the shot." But this quality time together means that Peter is the one who sees that his grandfather is clearly experiencing repeated episodes of forgetfulness, blanking out, and other potential signs of Alzheimers Disease. Peter is placed in a stressful situation as his grandfather repeatedly pressures Peter not to tell his mother about what is happening with her father.
"Lipstick cherry all over the lens as she's falling"
-- Duran Duran, "Girls on Film"
Into the middle of this thicket of dilemma comes cute and smart Angelika Stone, who is certainly not above becoming a bit jealous of hot female varsity athletes that Peter must photograph, but is a girl who understands how to be a real friend. Angelika knows all about Alzheimers Disease, having watched her grandmother battle it, and she becomes Peter's rock.
Having friends whose parents have battled Alzheimers Disease, but still not knowing as much as I should about it, Jordan Sonnenblick has brought light to this issue for me. Similarly, readers will come to recognize the potential for permanent damage that comes from ignoring symptoms of injury in order to play at any cost. And, as with Sol in NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER, another of Sonnenblick's outstanding middle school reads, Peter's grandfather in CURVEBALL is a memorable elderly character who has lots to share.
Get the picture?
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks
[email protected]
Moderator
Moderator
Instructor, San Jose State University
School of Library and Information Science
"'And now, Fern, it's time to get ready for Sunday School. And tell Avery to get ready. And this afternoon you can tell me more about what goes on in Uncle Homer's farm. Aren't you spending quite a lot of time there? You go there almost every afternoon, don't you?'
"'I like it there,' replied Fern. She wiped her mouth and ran upstairs. After she left the room, Mrs. Arable spoke in a low voice to her husband.
"'I worry about Fern,' she said. 'Did you hear the way she rambled on about the animals, pretending that they talked?'
"Mr. Arable chuckled. 'Maybe they do talk,' he said. 'I've sometimes wondered. At any rate, don't worry about Fern -- she's just got a lively imagination. Kids think they hear all sorts of things.'
"'Just the same, I do worry about her,' replied Mrs. Arable. 'I think I shall ask Dr. Dorian about her the next time I see him. He loves Fern almost as much as we do, and I want him to know how queerly she is acting about that pig and everything. I don't think it's normal. You know perfectly well animals don't talk.'
"Mr. Arable grinned. 'Maybe our ears aren't as sharp as Fern's,' he said."
-- Elwyn Brooks (E.B.) White, who died in 1985 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease
"Angelika gave me the ball. I turned it over in my fingers, and a huge lump grew in my throat. Suddenly, in my own head, I was back on that field, two years before. We had been playing in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in a big park, and there were train tracks passing maybe a hundred feet away, parallel to the third base line. As a pitcher, the line of sight was pretty strange, too, because there was a parking lot directly behind the backstop. It was a blindingly sunny, baking-hot day, and a horrible glare was coming off this one white SUV parked right over the umpire's left shoulder.
"The grass had just been cut, and the whole place smelled a little bit like onions.
"When I came back to reality, I realized Angelika had been clicking away. Also, that she had stopped. 'Oh, my God, Pete,' she said. 'Are you crying?'"
Jordan Sonnenblick's CURVEBALL is a really sweet boy-girl story about Peter and Angelika, two high school freshmen -- Advanced Photography classmates -- who become the sports photographers for their school's yearbook. It is also a story of friendships and family and what happens as a result of Peter and his maternal grandfather each being in denial of their respective medical conditions.
Peter Friedman has been a star pitcher since he was a little kid. Two years earlier, he pitched a no-hitter in a championship game. Now, because he has kept the pain in his pitching elbow secret from everyone all season -- until the elbow falls apart -- he has to undergo serious reconstructive surgery and will never pitch again. His best friend, golden boy AJ, is also an exceptional pitcher and the two have always played catcher for each other's pitching starts. Now Peter doesn't have it in him to tell AJ the truth: there is zero chance of them becoming teammates in the spring on the high school JV squad.
Meanwhile, Peter has been placed in the Advanced Photography class as a high school freshman thanks to his lifelong close relationship with his widower grandfather, a professional photographer who makes his money shooting weddings, who has always loved taking Peter out to do nature photography, who has always photographed Peter's athletic triumphs, and who has taught Peter how to "get the shot." But this quality time together means that Peter is the one who sees that his grandfather is clearly experiencing repeated episodes of forgetfulness, blanking out, and other potential signs of Alzheimers Disease. Peter is placed in a stressful situation as his grandfather repeatedly pressures Peter not to tell his mother about what is happening with her father.
"Lipstick cherry all over the lens as she's falling"
-- Duran Duran, "Girls on Film"
Into the middle of this thicket of dilemma comes cute and smart Angelika Stone, who is certainly not above becoming a bit jealous of hot female varsity athletes that Peter must photograph, but is a girl who understands how to be a real friend. Angelika knows all about Alzheimers Disease, having watched her grandmother battle it, and she becomes Peter's rock.
Having friends whose parents have battled Alzheimers Disease, but still not knowing as much as I should about it, Jordan Sonnenblick has brought light to this issue for me. Similarly, readers will come to recognize the potential for permanent damage that comes from ignoring symptoms of injury in order to play at any cost. And, as with Sol in NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER, another of Sonnenblick's outstanding middle school reads, Peter's grandfather in CURVEBALL is a memorable elderly character who has lots to share.
Get the picture?
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks
[email protected]
Moderator
Moderator
Instructor, San Jose State University
School of Library and Information Science
September 7, 2021
یک رمان نوجوان تمام عیار. داستان یکناکام� عظیم و داستانها� بعد از آن. دوستش دارم به خاطر روایت شیرین� و علاقه� شخصی� به عکاسی و دوستی که کتاب را به من معرفی کرد :)
July 12, 2024
thinking how this is literally one of the greatest books I ever read
December 11, 2019
So, I don't always love young adult books. Sometimes, the teen angst is overwhelming. And the cover is kinda too cute. And it sounds cheesy. However, Sonnenblick does a good job of balancing issues, like sports' injuries, grandparents getting older, growing up, what our lives are like versus what our friends think they are and so forth. You can probably guess what issue the grandparent has if you think about it. I also really liked the photography class. I also really liked Pete, Angelika, AJ and all of them. They seemed like real teens, not like Dawson's Creek teens who talk like they have graduate degrees. (Though, true admission, I so watched that show. Vive la Jennifer Lindley!) And some of it's pretty funny. He also does a good job of capturing the feel of Northeast PA. He lives in town and knows what it's like here. He also references the Easton/Phillipsburg high school football game which is held on Thanksgiving. I work in Easton and it was heavily discussed at work. It all kinda resolves, maybe a little too neatly, but in a nice way. And Angelika is not so much the pixie girl stereotype that often happens in these books. Thank heavens. Also, this quote:
We Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing, and when they have vanished, there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again. We cannot develop and print a memory.--Henri Cartier-Bresson.
(Not sure I quite agree, but interesting to think about)
I liked it a lot. I'd read more of his work.
We Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing, and when they have vanished, there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again. We cannot develop and print a memory.--Henri Cartier-Bresson.
(Not sure I quite agree, but interesting to think about)
I liked it a lot. I'd read more of his work.
March 3, 2013
I really liked Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, and while I always thought that boys and girls would like it equally, girls seemed to like it better. That's sort of how I feel about this book. It has a boy as the protagonist and the title really makes you think it's a guy read, but within the first few pages I had completely decided it was a girl read. That seems problematic to me, since the title just doesn't appeal to girls. In fact, the book isn't really about baseball at all, as the title implies.
Even though it's normal for authors to gravitate towards a certain story line, it sort of felt like I was reading Drums over again. Peter, like Stephen, is sort of a geeky kid who suffers a catastrophic event. In this case he is injured while pitching and can never play baseball again. He finds a girl who understands him and a romance ensues. The romance in this book is a little bit more center stage. There's another girl that causes jealousy on part of girlfriend. He develops a new talent, photography, while hiding a secret - his grandfather seems to be exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's. Parents are seemingly absent at times until they have a heart to heart.
Some of the conversations become preachy. I found myself thinking I don't really believe people talk like this - teens and adults alike.
Again, I liked it. Quick, light read. Didn't love it.
Even though it's normal for authors to gravitate towards a certain story line, it sort of felt like I was reading Drums over again. Peter, like Stephen, is sort of a geeky kid who suffers a catastrophic event. In this case he is injured while pitching and can never play baseball again. He finds a girl who understands him and a romance ensues. The romance in this book is a little bit more center stage. There's another girl that causes jealousy on part of girlfriend. He develops a new talent, photography, while hiding a secret - his grandfather seems to be exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's. Parents are seemingly absent at times until they have a heart to heart.
Some of the conversations become preachy. I found myself thinking I don't really believe people talk like this - teens and adults alike.
Again, I liked it. Quick, light read. Didn't love it.
April 27, 2016
My students in general, love . I have quite a few books by him within my classroom and although my students really like him, I had yet to actually read one of his texts. That changed when my students chose this story for a class read-aloud.
What a great book! It was relatable; had a sweet message; had just enough sadness, romance and realism to keep all of my students engaged. And it also helped me understand why so many of my students really enjoy reading Mr. Sonneblick's work. I would not hesitate to pick up a book by him in the future.
What a great book! It was relatable; had a sweet message; had just enough sadness, romance and realism to keep all of my students engaged. And it also helped me understand why so many of my students really enjoy reading Mr. Sonneblick's work. I would not hesitate to pick up a book by him in the future.
January 6, 2016
3.5 stars actually :)
As usual the witty writing stile held me up to the last page. But i am not that into baseball or photography so the plot didnt attract me that much.
But i liked how the protagonist got through what he was not used to be and somehow Jordan turned the strugglings into funny stories.
Not like his previous ones. But certainly not bad at all .
As usual the witty writing stile held me up to the last page. But i am not that into baseball or photography so the plot didnt attract me that much.
But i liked how the protagonist got through what he was not used to be and somehow Jordan turned the strugglings into funny stories.
Not like his previous ones. But certainly not bad at all .
January 12, 2013
Oh, ŷ . . . why don't you have half-star ratings yet? This is a great book, and an ideal 4.5 for me.
October 2, 2018
this book was really good
April 6, 2013
When Peter makes the pitch with his arm that continues to hurt more and more, he knows that it might be the last one he ever makes. And he's right. His injury is one he may never fully recover from, so he knows his chances of a high school career in baseball are over. He keeps it a secret from best friend and teammate AJ, though, not wanting to make him too concerned.
It's then that Peter's grandfather also hands over all of his camera equipment to Peter. They've been going out on shoots together for a long time, and in this act, Peter knows that his grandfather's mental state is worsening. Even though it's never been diagnosed, he's exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's.
So when Peter earns a reputation for having talent in taking photos and in capturing the just perfect moments during the sporting events at his school, he not only finds a way to fill the void in his life where baseball once lived, he finds himself with a good girl and he finds the courage to both confront his grandfather's illness and tell the truth about his own injury to his best friend.
Sonnenblick's books all have a way of making a reader feel good because they're filled with great, full characters. But these aren't saccharine or easy stories. Watching Peter struggle with his own injury and struggle more with figuring out how to handle his grandfather's debilitation is as tough on the reader as the character. This is a strong and compelling voice, and the book blends the elements of a good sports story with the elements that also tell a good family story.
The photography element worked well here, as well. It tied everything together nicely -- Peter's need to find a thing to replace baseball in his life and his need to stay connected with the grandfather who was slipping away bit by bit.
Hand this off to readers who liked Gordon Korman's POP. It's got a little bit of drinking/partying in it, but it's appropriate for middle school and younger high school students, though older teens will likely enjoy the story, too.
It's then that Peter's grandfather also hands over all of his camera equipment to Peter. They've been going out on shoots together for a long time, and in this act, Peter knows that his grandfather's mental state is worsening. Even though it's never been diagnosed, he's exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's.
So when Peter earns a reputation for having talent in taking photos and in capturing the just perfect moments during the sporting events at his school, he not only finds a way to fill the void in his life where baseball once lived, he finds himself with a good girl and he finds the courage to both confront his grandfather's illness and tell the truth about his own injury to his best friend.
Sonnenblick's books all have a way of making a reader feel good because they're filled with great, full characters. But these aren't saccharine or easy stories. Watching Peter struggle with his own injury and struggle more with figuring out how to handle his grandfather's debilitation is as tough on the reader as the character. This is a strong and compelling voice, and the book blends the elements of a good sports story with the elements that also tell a good family story.
The photography element worked well here, as well. It tied everything together nicely -- Peter's need to find a thing to replace baseball in his life and his need to stay connected with the grandfather who was slipping away bit by bit.
Hand this off to readers who liked Gordon Korman's POP. It's got a little bit of drinking/partying in it, but it's appropriate for middle school and younger high school students, though older teens will likely enjoy the story, too.
July 14, 2011
This multi-layered offering is the story of Pete, a high school freshman who is trying to redefine his self-identity after a debilitating elbow injury ends his baseball career. At the same time, Pete's grandfather, with whom he shares a close relationship, is showing early signs of Alzheimers Disease and sees his 40+ years as a career photographer slipping away from him. Secrets and half-truths build up as Pete tries to protect Grampa, maintain a friendship with his baseball-playing best friend, and navigate the new waters of romance with Anjelika, who has little patience for Pete's self-deceptions. Humorous and thought-provoking and altogether enjoyable.
September 16, 2013
This book surprised me. I chose it to have another male, teenaged protagonist novel to recommend to my students. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It's a straightforward and accessible read for young teenagers, and stays clean despite touching on high school topics such as sexuality and drinking. But, the true heart of the book lies in the relationships that Peter has with his new girlfriend, his parents, his best friend AJ, and most importantly, the grandfather who is slipping further and further away to undiagnosed Alzheimer's. A great read for teens, male or female.
March 3, 2012
I related to this book in so many ways, I can see young people relating to it also. As the mom of a baseball player who went through an injury (thankfully not career ending!) last summer and rehab the feelings and reactions of Pete and his parents were all too familiar. Pete's dealings with Alzheimer's in one he loves reminded me of those I have known and lost with this frightening disease.
It was an easy, but thought-provoking read which I think students will appreciate.
It was an easy, but thought-provoking read which I think students will appreciate.
July 22, 2022
This is currently my favorite book ever. I have read some books that romance as a side plot but none of those books come even close to this book! the characters aren’t just characters, they are real people with real feeling that makes you care. Amazing book overall! Thank you Jordan Sonnenblick for so many amazing books!
May 11, 2014
Once in awhile a YA book hits home (no baseball pun intended), and this one does. Tenderness and raw emotion permeate this story filled with teenage angst, uncertainty, and finding your way. On a teacher's note, I have to say Sonnenblick is the powerhouse of figurative language.
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October 2, 2017Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip was an amazing book. When the teacher was reading it in class she eventually stopped and everyone was salty like... really salty. Every single person in my class loved this book! I recommend it to any teacher looking for a chapter book to read to their students!
September 12, 2018
It was a pretty good book. The story is about a kid starting high school that plans on being a great pitcher for the school. But injures his shoulder and is told he will never pitch again. But then he gets into photography and gets good at it.
July 17, 2011
Humorous + heartwarming + great family dynamic + strong characters = another book by Sonnenblick that further cements him as one of my favorite authors.
January 6, 2018
After a devastating elbow injury, Peter Goldberg knows that he will never get to play baseball again. And just like that, his fiery passion for athletics is extinguished in the blink of an eye. Peter tries to find comfort in his long love of photography, spawned from his close relationship with his grandfather. Unfortunately, Peter knows his grandfather is slowly slipping away from him, and there’s nothing he can do about it. But not all hope is lost for Peter. As he begins freshman year, he meets the most peculiar girl, Angelika and falls hard for her. With his whole life ahead of him, yet it simultaneously crumbling behind him, can Peter pick up the pieces of his shattered world and build a new one?
Jordan Sonnenblick keeps amazing me with his wonderful novels. I absolutely ate this book up. It was like a mouth watering sautéed meat platter that leaves you craving more at the end. This story could have been flubbed up so awful due to its simple premise and ideas, but it’s how Sonnenblick expands on them with his writing to make something truly special and unforgettable. Peter’s story is one that I will refuse to let go and I know it’s going to resonate with me years in the future.
This book is so well written and there are so many things I can gush about. Although this may seem like an “injured athlete finds a softer side as he recovers to play again� story, it spins that cliche on its head and turns it a new. As Peter really knows he will NEVER play sports again. If you don’t know much about photography, like me, you honestly won’t be bothered by the overwhelming amounts of it in this story. The photography is Peter’s outlet of expression and that’s all you need to know, nothing technical, just emotions.
The characters in this book are also fleshed out and amazing. Even the side characters who reoccur in the story, of only for a few pages, they’re wonderful regardless. Peter is likable and has believable motivations and actions. He’s a stressed freshman doing his best to get by in his own world and simply trying to keep it together. AJ, or Adam James, is Peter’s best friend and teammate for every sport they’ve ever played. AJ isn’t annoying, his naive and kind of narrow minded view on life is actually very charming and not obnoxious as I had expected it to be. He’s a very good character to contrast Peter and I find the two of them to be a wonderful duo. Angelika, the last character I’ll discuss, is Peter’s photography partner and love interest. She isn’t the super unbelievable or cliche love interest. She’s truly a good character that is kind of the healer to Peter’s damaged world. The two obviously have chemistry and watching their relationship develop was very fun. This trio of characters will remain iconic in my mind.
I can’t believe how Sonnenblick keeps blowing me away with his books and I cannot wait to pick up another. I would recommend this book to sports fans, fans of Sonnenblick’s other works, people looking for a good and believable romance, or anyone just looking for a dramatically fun read.
Jordan Sonnenblick keeps amazing me with his wonderful novels. I absolutely ate this book up. It was like a mouth watering sautéed meat platter that leaves you craving more at the end. This story could have been flubbed up so awful due to its simple premise and ideas, but it’s how Sonnenblick expands on them with his writing to make something truly special and unforgettable. Peter’s story is one that I will refuse to let go and I know it’s going to resonate with me years in the future.
This book is so well written and there are so many things I can gush about. Although this may seem like an “injured athlete finds a softer side as he recovers to play again� story, it spins that cliche on its head and turns it a new. As Peter really knows he will NEVER play sports again. If you don’t know much about photography, like me, you honestly won’t be bothered by the overwhelming amounts of it in this story. The photography is Peter’s outlet of expression and that’s all you need to know, nothing technical, just emotions.
The characters in this book are also fleshed out and amazing. Even the side characters who reoccur in the story, of only for a few pages, they’re wonderful regardless. Peter is likable and has believable motivations and actions. He’s a stressed freshman doing his best to get by in his own world and simply trying to keep it together. AJ, or Adam James, is Peter’s best friend and teammate for every sport they’ve ever played. AJ isn’t annoying, his naive and kind of narrow minded view on life is actually very charming and not obnoxious as I had expected it to be. He’s a very good character to contrast Peter and I find the two of them to be a wonderful duo. Angelika, the last character I’ll discuss, is Peter’s photography partner and love interest. She isn’t the super unbelievable or cliche love interest. She’s truly a good character that is kind of the healer to Peter’s damaged world. The two obviously have chemistry and watching their relationship develop was very fun. This trio of characters will remain iconic in my mind.
I can’t believe how Sonnenblick keeps blowing me away with his books and I cannot wait to pick up another. I would recommend this book to sports fans, fans of Sonnenblick’s other works, people looking for a good and believable romance, or anyone just looking for a dramatically fun read.
October 22, 2017
All it takes is just one pitch that can ruin your chances ever to throw again. In the last inning of the championship as a pitcher, Peter Friedman stood at the mound on a 3-2 pitch. He hurt his arm throwing a fastball and fell to the ground. He started High School as a Freshman being embarrassed about his arm and how he won't be popular because of not being a pitcher for the school. He found out that he can make ways around all that. His friend A.J playing on the team didn't bother Peter because he noticed that you don't have to be a player to be part of a team. This is an interesting and page turning book that gives you clues of what's going to happen next. In this novel, Jordan Sonnenblick shows that even in the toughest of situations you can always get passed them. This book made me feel cheerful and unhappy. It impacted me because I used to have an injury that prevented me from playing. While I was reading when I got to a new section I had to pause and reflect what happened in the recent chapters to understand the new text. "Curveball-The year I Lost My Grip" is a great novel that I would recommend to teenagers who like sports and realistic fiction books.
August 30, 2019
A encouraging book of teenage angst while facing a grandfather's losing battle of Alzheimer's disease in a freshman year at high school. Peter Friedman realized that his arm couldn't help him be a catcher or pitcher but became involved in an advanced photography class. While in class, Peter fell in love with a freshman girl named Angelika. They became sport coeditors-photographers. His best friend, AJ was a both comic part and serious advisor in the novel while Peter tried to understand why his Grampy lost his memory slowly until he didn't remember where he was when driving his car in his bathrobe and no slippers. His parents had a rather difficult time keeping Gramps' declining memory a secret from Peter because they wanted to keep him focused on his high school life.
I think the book should be a REQUESTED novel in the high school English book list!!!!!
Grade: A ++++++++++++++++
I think the book should be a REQUESTED novel in the high school English book list!!!!!
Grade: A ++++++++++++++++
August 24, 2019
Jordan's writing is so engaging and authentic. I get sucked into the story and I love the characters. Handling a tough topic with humor and sensitivity is hard to do. The only reason that this is 4 stars instead of 5 is because I was missing the parental relationship that is evident in his other books, especially Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie.
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