Brian Gotta

By Michael Thal of Scribesworld (5 of 5 stars)

Eddie Thompson, star pitcher of the Coyotes, has a dream. He wants to win the Golden Arm Trophy for best pitcher of the year, but he has competition. Chase Collins, a teammate, and Cal Carter of the Blazers are also close contenders for the coveted award. The friction that builds between Eddie and Chase is palpable and could cause the Coyotes the league championship. Brian Gotta knows baseball and the mindset of the middle school athlete in this superbly written novel, The Season’s Not Over. It is an inspirational piece of children’s literature in which sportsmanship is taught by example. Through the upbeat coaching of Coach Haffner, children get a glimpse of a role model who is sincere and supportive. His lofty philosophy of sportsmanship is reflected through the actions of Eddie and his teammates. Gotta builds the tension as he artistically tells his baseball tale. We feel the jubilation of victory and the disappointment of defeat through the eyes of the players and their families. This is a book all children must read, for it provides a positive portrait of what team sports is all about.