Overview

Can Rainer survive playing All-Stars with his mortal enemy? Interactions with Jake Winters nearly ruined baseball for twelve-year-old Rainer Thomas. Now they're going to play together on the Lakeland All-Stars team. Making matters worse, Jake's dad is the head coach, meaning Jake's dad will write the lineup and choose positions. Sure, Rainer wonders if Lakeland has what it takes to make it to the Little League World Series. What he really wonders, though - will Rainer even see the field? All-Stars Civil War is a middle grade baseball novel for readers ages 8-12. This enemies-to-friends story will delight fans of Matt Christopher, The Sandlot and The Mighty Ducks.

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Reviews

Readers' Favorite - Five Stars All-Stars Civil War by Kevin Treaccar follows twelve-year-old Rainer Thomas after he earns a spot on the Lakeland 12U All-Star team, something he has chased all season. What should feel exciting quickly gets complicated when Rainer ends up competing with Jake Winters, a strong shortstop, longtime rival, and the coach's son. As the team progresses through different stages and enters State play, Rainer faces challenges, with limited starts on defense, changing roles, and an ongoing need to prove himself against elite competition. He steps in where needed, throwing big pitches in key innings, gets timely hits, and takes over at shortstop during tense late-game moments. Meanwhile, Jake feels the weight of expectations shaped by his older brother's path in professional baseball. Intense games that end with close scores, along with both tough losses and hard-won victories, push both boys to face their doubts directly. By the end of the tournament run, teamwork, resilience, and earned trust matter more than status. Kevin Treaccar's All-Stars Civil War is for anyone who has played youth baseball before. The narrative perfectly captures the demanding nature of All-Star tournaments. From managing pitch counts to navigating travel accommodations, sorting out lineup boards, and enduring long tournament days that test one's focus and patience, the details pull readers in without slowing the story. The plot unfolds seamlessly from selection to postseason play while maintaining high energy through intense games and emotional fluctuations. Rainer's character development is genuine; he shows leadership by working hard, making consistent decisions, and putting the team first, even when starting positions are not guaranteed. Jake's story, on the other hand, reveals how extreme pressure and frequent comparison may hurt even the most talented athletes. The writing is clear and engaging, particularly during game passages where the suspense rises with each inning. While some detailed play-by-play scenes might feel slightly too long, they effectively highlight how small details can determine game outcomes. The title All-Stars Civil War fits the story well, pointing to the internal conflict inside the team. I recommend this book to baseball players, students who play baseball, and sports writers, with its realism, strong character growth, and an honest look at team pressure.

Author Information

Kevin Treaccar writes sports novels for middle grade readers. That way, they still get the sport they love when their face is buried in a book. Kevin also works as a marketing copywriter and dabbles in illustration. When he's not writing, Kevin enjoys time with his family, including coaching some of his kids' teams. He has coached youth swimming, baseball and soccer.

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