Last Days of Summer

 Told in a collection of letters, newspaper clippings, and report  cards, Last Days of Summer is a timeless story about growing  up and finding family where you least expect it.  In 1940, Joey  Margolis is a 12 year old boy who is tired of being beat up by  neighborhood bullies and upset and angry over his father’s  abandonment.  Being an intelligent, imaginative, and slightly  corrupt young man, Joey forms a lasting relationship with his  hero, Charlie Banks, third baseman for the New York Giants,      though Charlie doesn’t know what to think of Joey at first.

Dear Mr. Banks:

I am a 12 year old boy and I am dying from malaria.  Please hit a home run for me because I don’t think I will be around much longer.

Your friend,

Joey Margolis

Dear Kid:

Last week it was the plague.  Now it’s malaria.  What do I look — stupid to you?You’re lucky I don’t send somebody over there to tap you on the conk.  I am inclosing one last picture.  Do not write to me again.

Chas. Banks,

                                                                                                                                     3rd Base

Joey persists and eventually Charlie gives into the kid and they are both surprised to find just what they need in one another.

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Last Days of Summer also won the Alex Award in 1999.  The Alex Awards honor the top ten adult books for teens each year.  Read more about the Alex Award here.