Three is a magic number

Good news came in triplicate this week while I was on the road in Florida . . .

First, Samurai Shortstop has been named to Booklist's 2006 Top Ten Sports Books for Youth list. I'm in good company--the list also includes John H. Ritter's Under the Baseball Moon, Chris Lynch's National Book Award Finalist Inexcusable, and Mike Lupica's Heat.

Second, Samurai and I were featured in a really great article in the Nashville Scene.

Third, Anderson's Bookshop in Chicago has named Samurai Shortstop to its annual mock Newbery list! The bookstore chooses 25 books they think are likely candidates, then encourages Chicagoland-area students to read the books and vote for which they think deserves a Newbery Award. Remember kids, vote early and vote often--especially for Samurai Shortstop!