SUITCASE

With feet so large that he’s earned the nickname “Suitcase,” sixth-grader Alexander—Xander to family and friends—appears unable to play basketball. He doesn’t enjoy it as much as he enjoys drawing, and he can’t control his body and the ball. Trying hard to please his father, he practices daily, jumping rope and drilling, but the coach, Jeff, recognizes that Xander’s talents lay elsewhere. During a routine baseball practice, Xander shows himself to be a superior pitcher; later, by drawing the winning entry in an art contest, Xander impresses his father, who is finally beginning to recognize that his son has talent. Walter (Second Daughter, 1996, etc.) has created a story that lets readers see and appreciate Xander’s progress; the lesson that everyone has at least one special purpose is familiar, but worth repeating. Those who have been teased will relish Xander’s ability to disregard labels and prove the bullies wrong. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Fiction. 8-12)