The Aurora County all-Stars, by Deborah Wiles

"Good garden of peas," this was a great book! On the Wheaton Public Library Battle of the Books list, it was one that I had not read before. I am not sure how this one escaped me because I have been a fan of Deborah Wiles for quite some time. The Aurora County All - Stars brings together some of my favorite charaters from Love Ruby Lavender.

Twelve year old House, the town's pitcher, hasn't been able to play baseball in over a year due to a "girl." He has spent his year of recovery keeping an old mysterious man company. When the man dies, House's struggles with the loss. He doesn't want people to know that he has been spending time with this recluse. However, his relationship with the man is betrayed by his friend, and his secret is revealed. 

The big baseball game is coming up, and House is determined to get his arm working and get in shape so he can play, but Frances, the girl who broke his arm, is bound and determined to put on a pagaent at the same exact time of the team is due to play the big game. House must come up with a solution to this conundrum. 

From the start, you can't help but love House, he is just an every day kid, with a big heart and strong determination. He is a character that everyone loves and looks up to.