Change-Up Book Review

Author: John Feinstein
Fourteen year old sports reporters Stevie and Susan Carroll are covering the World Series. And Stevie’s found the perfect subject for a story that no one else will have—Norbert Doyle. Doyle, an older baseball player, has spent his entire life pitching in the minor leagues. But now’s his time to shine. He’s being brought up to the majors to start game two of the World Series.

Deadly Secrets

During an interview with Doyle and his kids, Stevie learns that Doyle is just a humble single dad who is still grieving for his wife who passed away in a car accident more than a decade ago. Doyle appears to be a nice, honest guy, but as Stevie talks to outside sources, he learns that there’s a secret surrounding his wife’s death—a secret that Stevie is determined to uncover.

The Investigation

Overnight, Stevie goes from a sports reporter to an investigative journalist. He traces Doyle’s family life back to Lynchburg, the town where his wife died. He talks to a few sources—friends, cops, an old babysitter. He finds the car accident report which contradicts the story that Doyle gave him. Now Stevie must sort through the truths and lies to find the real story. But Stevie must consider whether or not publishing the story is worth hurting Doyle’s family and career.

The Bottom Line

Change-Up is a story of ethics and personal morals. Stevie is torn between doing his job, and revealing a grieving man's dark secret to the world. This book is great for sports-minded kids and teens. But even those who don’t know much about sports can follow this incredible book. There’s so much more to it than baseball: there’s love and jealousy, family and sorrow, friendships and enemies.

Change-Up Rating:

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