Deuker captures the drama in every pitch and on-field situation, and he knows the ins and outs of how high school baseball programs function. This attention to detail in the setting also applies to the baseball. The book takes place in various areas of Seattle, and Deuker clearly knows his way around the city. Although surrounded by problematic situations, Laz is a noble kid who maintains his character, even when it would be easy for him not to.Īttention to detail is a hallmark of author Carl Deuker’s body of work, and Golden Arm is no exception. When the team situation at his school changes, Laz’s golden arm gives him the chance to contend for a state title at an upper-class school and possibly be drafted by a major league team. Laz lives in a rough trailer park and goes to a rough high school, but he is a great pitcher. High school senior Lazarus Weathers is the central character in Carl Deuker’s Golden Arm (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2020). Readers don't have to be interested in baseball to enjoy this riveting underdog story. This complex novel explores poverty and privilege, teamwork and self-reliance, as well as family loyalty and friendship. Just as things finally seem to be going his way, Antonio gets involved with dangerous drug dealers and Laz must choose between helping his family and pursuing his dreams. With the trailer park shutting down and his high school baseball team's program axed, Laz jumps at the opportunity to move in with the Thurmans and get better coaching and capture the attention of major league scouts.

Hoping to help his son's team win the state title, he recruits Laz to play for his son's high school team. When his ragtag summer team beats the rich kids across town, his pitching captures the attention of Mr. In Golden Arm Lazarus Weathers, who lives with his mom and half-brother Antonio in a Seattle trailer park, stutters and struggles in school, but comes alive on the baseball field.

Golden arm carl deuker