Choosing Up Sides

Luke Bledsoe has a wicked fastball. But he shouldn’t be pitching, or even playing ball—especially not left-handed. That’s the side of the devil, says his pa‚ a fundamentalist preacher. But Luke’s new-found friends and left-handed uncle say he’s blessed with God-given talent. Luke doesn’t know who to believe anymore. All his life, this young teen’s been trying to please his pa. Now it’s time to sort out what he wants for himself. To do so, Luke will need the same steely determination he calls up when running for home plate. But what about his pa? Can Luke’s father balance his strict interpretation of good and evil with the love and encouragement his son needs? Johnny Heller’s narration of this powerful first novel by John H. Ritter captures young listeners, and draws them to the startling conclusion. Also included is an interview with Ritter, recipient of The Judy Blume Award for contemporary fiction.