Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sonnenblick, J. (2012). Curveball: The year I lost my grip. New York: Scholastic.

SUMMARY

 

Fourteen year-old Peter Feldman experiences two tragedies at a crucial turning point in his life: the start of his high school career. Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip describes Pete’s realization that he will never pitch again and that his grandfather is losing his memory. Through the art of photography, Pete accepts these new realities while assimilating into high school.

PLOT ANALYSIS

Told in first person point of view, Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip accounts Pete Feldman’s experiences as a novice photographer. Readers see his character develop from promising sports star to injured list photographer. While Pete’s immediate reaction is devastation, he overcomes his pity-party attitude to become not just an acclaimed student photographer but a integral part in saving his grandfather’s memories.

Angelika, Pete’s classmate turned girlfriend, brings out the best of Pete. While Angelika and best friend A.J. play a minor role in the overall plot, they both are imperative to Pete’s success and development as a mature teenager.

The story progresses from just a chronological narrative of Pete’s first days of high school (almost diary-like) to a more dramatic plot structure as Pete deals with his stubborn yet ailing grandfather who suffers from the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The topic of photography includes equipment, artists, and techniques, which will encourage readers to discover more about the art form.

Family members with Alzheimer’s disease is a reality to many readers and is discussed in this book in a gentle yet purposeful way. Angelika is used as Pete’s bubble-buster, forcing him to face reality. This leads Pete to find help for his grandfather before it’s too late.

Because the story is told from Pete’s perspective, the language is simple, as if written by a teenager. However, the story has enough depth and variety—with the topics of sports, photography, and family issues—to reach even the most critical reader.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Booklist’s Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, 2012

Texas Lone Star Reading List, 2013

“Sonnenblick's story may be straightforward, but Peter's natural and self-effacing narrative voice makes it sing. The novel is populated with kind, vulnerable characters who care about each other...and the thoroughly enjoyable mix of sports, art, family drama, and budding romance will have readers invested in Peter's struggles to accept his new world and appreciate what he has.” --Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

“[Sonnenblick] again shows an adept ability to tackle big-deal life issues, treat them seriously and believably, and filter them into a high-spirited, even fun story...A bittersweet look at freezing moments in time, and how Alzheimer's can scour even the younger generations in a family.” –Booklist, starred review

CONNECTIONS

Photography: Henri Cartier-Bresson Style

Look up biographical information about Cartier-Bresson, including several of his photographs. Following Mr. Marsh’s assignment, use a 35mm camera to take candid shots of classmates, friends, family, etc. Create a collage with a common theme to present to the class.

Alzheimer’s Disease 101

Using database resources, interviews, and medical journals to learn about Alzheimer’s disease, create a Glogster poster to present your findings. Search for basic symptoms, possible causes, commonalities in Alzheimer’s patients, treatment options, and any extra info you find.

Baseball Greats Biography

Choose a baseball player (past or present) to research. Learn about their childhood, high school and college careers as well as professional careers. Document these events in a MixBook memory book format—almost like what a proud mama’s photo album would look like! Be create! Use photographs with permission or that are copyright free (or use your own photos). Cite all sources.