Book excerpt: Themes of popularity, self-consciousness and self-acceptance are combined with hilarious antics and characters that will deight children. Nove by Barbara Park. Chapter-by-chapter questions and additional activities in vocabulary, word study, and personal development are designed according to research-based education principles to improve literacy skills in communication, critical thinking, social studies and more. A story summary, author biography, and answer key. 64 pages. About the Novel: This is a story of Alex Frankovitch, a regular kid who can't play baseball very well. When Alex gets himself in competition with his classmate and local baseball star, the consequences are both hilarious and humiliating. While his classmates are laughing at him, and his mother is laughing with him, a turn of events allow Alex's own talents to shine through. Who's laughing now?