Young Adult Novels
by
James M. Janik
NONE OF THE COURAGE
Tyler Parker kills left handers. He murders them. Fast balls, curve balls, sliders ... it doesn't matter what they throw. The pro scouts marvel at his skills, "Best senior hitter in the midwest," Avery Douglas from the Cardinals notes. "A five point player. The kid's got it all," Jake Barnow writes in his memo to the Dodgers' player personnel department.
Tyler has heard the gossip. He has an idea or two about what his future holds. He understands the kind of money first round draft picks can get from the pros--the kind you don't count--the kind you weigh.
When Southport High brings in their hot shot lefty relief pitcher, none of Tyler's dreams need rearranging. His plans remain the same--murder this guy then pick out an agent. He'll happily leave the Iowa corn fields and dirt roads far behind.
But then, with one swing of the bat, Tyler actually kills him.
How does Tyler Parker's world change after the tragic accident? Can Tyler accept the responsibility that accompanies his awesome talent? Will Tyler Parker find the courage necessary to reexamine his future ... and his past?
NONE OF THE COURAGE is my young adult novel currently under consideration by New York book publishers.
WORTH THE RISK
Fifteen year old Skeeter Johnson is new in Dixon, Missouri. He's hoping for a new start. He desperately wants to forget the teasing he endured back in Chicago. As bad as his problems seem, his new friend's problems are worse. Josh Bailey, the best baseball player Skeeter has ever seen, has scars across his back. Josh's father, a down and out ex-pro ballplayer, drinks too much. His mother is long gone.
How far should Skeeter go to protect his best friend from an abusive father? What can, or should, a fifteen year old boy do to help a man whose entire world collapsed the moment he tore up his knee sliding into second base? What terrible secret does Skeeter keep from Josh, certain that doing so is in his best interest? Is getting involved worth the risk?
WORTH THE RISK is a story about two boys, their scars, and how they each choose to deal with them.