52 pages • 1 hour read
Carl DeukerA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Originally published in 1993, Heart of a Champion by Carl Deuker follows the California boy, Seth, whose father died prematurely, leaving a huge void. Seth befriends Jimmy, whose love of baseball becomes Seth’s passion as well. After Jimmy's death in an alcohol-induced car crash, Seth writes the narrative as a way of coping. The novel addresses serious issues including teenage drinking, alcoholism, domestic abuse, and death.
Heart of a Champion by Carl Deuker captures the essence of friendship and determination in the world of high school baseball. Readers praise its realistic portrayal of teenage struggles and the strong character development. However, some note that the plot can be predictable at times. Overall, it's a compelling read for sports enthusiasts and fans of coming-of-age stories.
Readers who enjoy Heart of a Champion by Carl Deuker will likely appreciate sports dramas and coming-of-age stories. Fans of novels such as Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher, which blend athletics with deep emotional themes, would find this book engaging.
Lexile Level
650LSports
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Relationships
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Children's Literature
Education
Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal
Relationships: Friendship
Life/Time: Coming of Age