About this book

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Jasper is excited to finally get the chance to play on a travel baseball team with all of his friends! But it turns out taking his game to the next level comes with its own set of challenges. As the big tournament approaches, Jasper and his teammates learn some tricky baseball rules and prepare to face off against other travel teams. Then best friends Jasper, Mo, and Ruby head to Chicago, where they'll get to attend a real MLB game and even stay at a hotel during the tournament. Can the Raintree Blue Sox take the trophy and have fun doing it?

Engaging black-and-white artwork appears on every page, and game-time scenes are told through fully-illustrated, graphic novel-style panels. Nonfiction sidebars are also scattered throughout, introducing young readers to sports legends and other fun facts. Kids will learn all about baseball as they read this book, and they won't be able to put it down because of its action-packed, relatable story!

Reviews

Praise for Grand Slam! (Sports Zone! #3):

"Perfect for early readers clamoring for uncomplicated stories and baseball facts... Appealing graphics and nonfiction facts make this title enticing for sports fiction fans who are emerging readers." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Corner Kick! (Sports Zone! #2):

"Part of the 'Branches' series of transitional readers, this short chapter book provides a useful bridge between beginning readers and longer fiction. Fans of the Ballpark Mysteries and MVP series by David A. Kelly will enjoy this ­informative, accessible soccer story." -- School Library Journal