Safe at Second (Novel) (Library Binding)

by Scott Johnson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-As a "can't miss" pitching prospect, Todd Bannister has scouts, agents, and recruiters begging for his attention and, as a good-looking, self-assured star athlete, he has fellow students and many adults doing the same. All of this comes to an abrupt end when he is hit in the face by a line drive and loses an eye. His attempt to come back is unsuccessful as he can no longer control his pitches and is pounded unmercifully whenever he is put into a game. Initially angry and bitter, he eventually comes to a kind of acceptance of his new status and takes the first steps to getting on with his life. Todd is a fascinating character, by turns conceited and considerate, cruel and kind, thoughtful and thoughtless. With just a few deft brush strokes, Johnson demonstrates how a basically decent kid can succumb to the blandishments of an adoring public, accept their adulation as his due, and even use his position to manipulate people. The book is narrated by Todd's best friend and biggest supporter, Paulie Lockwood, who must come to terms with the way the changes in Todd's life affect his own. As Todd works through his tragic situation and his hubris gives way to a hard-won wisdom, readers will respond with empathy and compassion. This compelling work transcends the category of sports fiction. Its characters are complex, rounded, and fully realized, and its themes are universal. An outstanding novel.
Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-A star pitcher's best buddy must find a way to help his friend and redefine his own goals when a line drive injures the athlete and dashes their dreams of glory. A tough and tender coming-of-age story with plenty of play-by-play action. (July)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Library Binding: 245 pages
• Publisher: Philomel Books (June 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399233652
• ISBN-13: 978-0399233654
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #690,774 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, May 10, 2000

By	Sam M. (Iowa) - See all my reviews

Safe at Second is about a teenager named Paulie. He's a baseball fanatic; he loves to play it, but he's not so good at it. His best friend, Todd, is a great pitcher, destined for the major leagues. Paulie cheers him on, his greatest fan. But one day while Todd was pitching, a freak accident occurs: Todd is hit in the eye with a ball, forcing doctors to remove it. Paulie was there to help him. He thinks that Todd can come back and become the same pitcher that he was before the accident. I gave this book a 4 star rating because of 3 reasons. First, Scott Johnson did a very good job of using imagery and description in his book. It really made it interesting so there was never a dull or boring moment. The second reason was because of the format. I really enjoyed how it was told from Paulie's point of view. It made it more interesting to read, because you see Paulie's thoughts and feelings, and Paulie, in turn, can sometimes tell the feelings of others, which is neat. The third reason was that in this book there was not just one conflict, there were many. First, there's the struggle between Todd and his coming back to baseball. Next, there's the struggle between Todd and his girlfriend, Melissa. There's also the struggle between Paulie and his future, like taking the SATs and college. Paulie also has another struggle in that he's trying to make the varsity baseball team. This makes the book very interesting because they go from one conflict to another. In conclusion, I highly recommend this book because it keeps you wanting to read more. It's a great book, not just for people who like baseball, because it centers around the conflicts, and not necessarily baseball.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stepping Up to the Plate for Todd, May 12, 2005

By	BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Safe At Second (Paperback)

Todd Bannister, star pitcher of Edgeville High's baseball team has it all. Agents and scouts court him; he has a bright future in baseball, so it seems.

Todd's career is sidelined when he is hit in the eye by a baseball. The eye trauma is so extensive that he loses the eye and, he believes his future in baseball.

His friend Paulie won't let him give up. He sticks by Todd through thick and thin, even when Todd's depression leads him into making rash decisions such as drinking at unsupervised parties. Todd loses his abrasive girlfriend Melissa during his long convalescence and the pair re-evaluate their relationship.

Todd has plenty of time to think. Baseball was the focus of his life and Paulie's, too. Paulie is the satellite who revolves around Todd; it is in fact Todd's encouragement (and trickery) that got Paulie on the baseball team. An avid Tabletop fan and baseball statistician, Paulie's relationship with Todd appears to be only focussed on one thing - baseball. As Todd recovers mentally and physically from his traumatic injury and psychological repercussions, he encourages Paulie to be more than his personal go-fer. Paulie also copes with some major decision making and evaluation.

This is an excellent book that attests to the power of friendship; the love of baseball; team cooperation and taking that team cooperation off the diamond and far beyond. This is an author to watch out for!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Safe at Second", October 13, 2003

A Kid's Review

Safe at Second on a scale of 1-5, it was a 4. It was about a boy, Paulie Lockwood, and his best friend, Todd Banister. The main point is, basically how far a friendship goes, and what to do with your future. Todd, a senior in high school, is an All-Star baseball player. Paulie, a jr. in high school, plays {he isn't that good} but he mainly follows Todd. Todd is being offered scholarships and MLB {Major League Baseball} contracts. Paulie is going to be alone when Todd leaves. The problems have to deal with tragedy, feelings, and mind/emotions. Out of the corner of my eye I saw it, and heard the two sounds almost together. The solid ping of the line drive off the bat. Then the ugly chunk, as the ball smacked into Todd's face and jerked his whole head backward. From all around the field I heard one loud, sharp gasp. I stampeded over with everyone else. Todd had landed hard on his right shoulder, and now, sprawling halfway off the mound, he looked as still and lumpy as an old duffle bag full of bats. Some of the guys on the field got to him first, and as I came up, one of them, Wayne Linder, turned away, his face white and sickly. I eased passed him to get closer. "He's okay," I heard myself whisper, and kneeled down behind him to put my hand half around his left shoulder. "He's all right." That was when he screamed.