Andrew Jackson Fielder wants to pitch in the major leagues. It should seem a distant dream to a kid in Smackover, Arkansas, in 1939. But for Jackson, it comes true, partly due to the afternoons he and his brother spend practicing pitches in a pipe yard down in the south Arkansas oilpatch.
Birthdays, hiccups, swim lessons, summer holidays—growing up is fun! Seven-year-old Bruno is back and tackling problems with his trademark originality. He defeats hiccups. He trades his mother for a new hat. He skillfully avoids math. And thanks to his special Flutter Kick, he easily advances to the next level—in swimming and in life! Bruno is ready for any challenge as he learns all there is to know about being a boy.
As the goalie for the girls hockey team, Annie Rogers keen eyesight is crucial to snagging a speeding slap shot out of the air. On a visit to the eye doctor, she learns that she needs prescription glasses, and her confidence is shattered. But she then she receives a gift from Sal's Used Sporting Goods, a helmet once worn by Canadian double-gold medalist goalie Shannon Szabados. Will it help Annie see things differently?
On a class ski trip, Gabe Santiago learns that he is a natural on the slopes. When Eliza, a girl he has a crush on, asks Gabe to join the Grover Lake ski team with her, he quickly says yes. One problem: he has never skied slalom before. Then Sal, owner of Sals Used Sporting Goods, hands him a pair of goggles once worn by Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller. Will they prove to be Gabe's lucky charm?
Logan Parrish has a great fastball. Unfortunately, its the only pitch in his arsenal, and hitters are starting to figure him out. After a devastating loss, Logan visits Sals Used Sporting Goods, and its friendly owner introduces him to an ex-minor league pitcher who might be able to teach Logan a few tricks. But will they be enough to help Logan in the big game?
Ben Mason has always been the star player on East Grover Lake boys basketball team. But when a new transfer student takes away the spotlight, Ben is frustrated with his role on the team. After a visit from Sal, owner of Sals Used Sporting Goods, he learns about John Stockton, the NBAs all-time assist leader. Will Ben learn the true meaning of leadership?
Sam Campbell's school team, the Laggan Lairds, always loses. When someone suggests that their name be the Laggan Lard Butts, Sam thinks the team should change its name. What is a Laird anyway? The basketball coach agrees, and soon the whole school is involved in an election for a new team name. Sam and his friends nominate the name Lard Butts. When the basketball team starts winning games after a warm-up cheer of "Go Lard Butts!" it seems the Lard Butt campaign might actually win the election.
