Baseball, Bullies & Angels is a fun, funny and emotionally strong story. Stephen is a typical 13 year old boy who just wants to find his place in the world, but his difficulties in school, both socially and academically, have him feeling the pressure. When a group of students make Stephen the target of their merciless bullying he struggles even more to make sense of his life. With all the pressure and pain he feels each day, he still searches for hope. He finds some in his best friend Charlie who tries to show him the humor in it all. And a kind gesture from Megan, the new girl in class, helps to spark a connection between two kindred spirits. But when everything is at its worst he always finds hope in baseball. Stephen's talents as a young baseball player are well beyond the average Little Leaguer; he is an up and coming star. But as his flame grows brighter, one particular competitor and classmate doesn't like getting overshadowed. He and his friends set a plan in motion that could destroy Stephen's dreams of playing baseball in the future. The Bully Gang has worked hard to bend Stephen before, but now they want to break him. -------("Cobb's long stretches of naturally engaging dialogue ... help deliver characters and twists that positively outstrip stories merely about athletic glory. ... Always sincere, occasionally shocking, this tale is required reading for kids and parents." --Kirkus Reviews )------ Recommended for boys and girls, advanced younger readers or ages 10-15 and up.