Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE BATBOY

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THE BATBOY

Mike Lupica

A young baseball fan uses the perfect summer job to cement relationships.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

References to professional baseball teams and gear are incidental to the setting.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild, situational language typical of locker-room settings.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minor, age-appropriate interest typical of adolescent sports stories.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not scary.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of player performance issues sometimes linked to substance rumors, but not glamorized.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional tense moments on the baseball field, but no physical combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist shows moral courage in standing up for his values.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on passion for a craft and dedication to a goal.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Includes a standard mix of characters within a professional sports setting.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the mechanics and pressures of professional baseball.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages empathy toward those struggling in the public eye.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes regarding honesty, loyalty, and the importance of seeing past fame to the real person.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist learns and grows, showing positive character development throughout the story.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in THE BATBOY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE BATBOY, and what caused that change?
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