Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE ONLY GAME

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THE ONLY GAME

Mike Lupica

A boy finds himself short of friends after quitting his baseball team.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The reading level and sports-focused plot suit middle-grade readers, but grief, bereavement, and emotionally difficult family circumstances may be intense for younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The book is not structured as product promotion; ordinary references to baseball equipment do not amount to consumerism.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The death of a brother is the central plot driver and source of grief for the main character.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild, occasional colloquialisms typical of sports talk.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Light, age-appropriate friendship and budding feelings between middle-schoolers.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal, consists of incidental sports-related activity and emotional outbursts.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist must find the courage to face his loss and return to the things he loves.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages finding creative ways to process grief and life challenges.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse background of friends and community, though focused on standard middle-school tropes.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into managing grief and the mechanics of baseball.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Strong theme of empathy and community support during hardship.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes resilience, friendship, teamwork, honest communication, and healthy ways of responding to grief and setbacks.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate growth, honesty, and emotional maturity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE ONLY GAME would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE ONLY GAME, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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