Derek Jeter’s Hit & Miss Knocks it Out of the Park

The Red Sox figures prominently in this baseball novel, loosely inspired by the childhood experiences of Jeter. This is the second middle grade novel from the Jeter Publishing imprint (after 2014’s The Contract), part of a series based on the principles of Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, which supports programs that encourage children to pursue healthy lifestyles, focus on academics, and develop leadership qualities.
Baseball provides the framework for the story, with plenty of dramatic action as the Red Sox progress through the Little League season. There are bases loaded! Extra innings! Even a few tears on the pitcher’s mound.
The book is also peppered with inside jokes for baseball fans, like this: “(Derek) was even more psyched when Coach Kaufman agreed to let him wear number 13—Derek’s dad’s number when he was in college! He had wanted to wear number 13 last year but had been stuck with number 2, much to his disappointment.”
Jeter, of course, has worn number 2 on his pinstripes since his 1995 debut in the major leagues.

In between the book’s runs and strikeouts, however, there are far more important storylines for young readers. There’s an awkward new kid in school, and none of Derek’s friends want to include the new guy in any of their activities. Derek’s sister, Sharlee, is suddenly withdrawn and uncharacteristically moody. Also, Derek must suffer the consequences of breaking a contract he’s made with his parents.
This is where Hit & Miss bats a thousand. Each story is a lesson in empathy, clearly defining how to challenge prejudices, find commonalities, and think before you act.
In the situation with the new kid, for instance, Derek remembers his own struggle to fit in as a new student.
“Derek’s memories of his own first days in Kalamazoo came flooding back to him. Most people had welcomed the Jeters, an interracial family, with smiles and open arms when they’d arrived from the East Coast. But a few people hadn’t. … Derek was determined to break the ice. It was what he would have wanted someone to do for him on his first day in a new school.”
Some of the book’s most satisfying parts involve school braggart Gary Parnell, who never fails to boast about his test scores to young Derek. The joke’s on you, Gary! Because you might have gotten a 98 on that science test, but Derek Jeter grew up to be Derek Jeter—legendary Yankee, role model, and now co-author of a second engaging, thoughtful book for middle grade readers.
Is your middle schooler a fan of baseball books?