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Keeping Score summary
Brief summary
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Maggie who finds solace in baseball during the Korean War. It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of the human spirit.
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Keeping Score
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of a Young Baseball Fan
In Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park, we follow the journey of Maggie Fortini, a young girl growing up during the 1950s in Brooklyn. Maggie is a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and she knows everything about the team, including the statistics of the players. She even has a special scoring system to keep track of the games, a skill she learned from her friend Jim Maine, a fellow baseball enthusiast.
Jim, who is a few years older than Maggie, is like a big brother to her. They share a love for baseball, and their days revolve around the sport. However, their friendship is tested when Jim is drafted into the army to fight in the Korean War. Despite her young age, Maggie is determined to keep in touch with Jim and support him during his time away.
Struggles and Hardships
As the war progresses, Maggie's life becomes increasingly difficult. Her father, a veteran of World War II, is struggling with his war-related trauma, and her mother is working hard to support the family. Maggie, too, is dealing with the challenges of growing up and navigating her changing world.
Meanwhile, Jim faces his own set of hardships in the war zone. The friends exchange letters, and Maggie uses her knowledge of baseball to keep Jim updated on the latest games and scores, hoping to provide him with a sense of normalcy and comfort amidst the chaos of war.
Baseball as a Unifying Force
Baseball serves as a unifying force throughout the story. It connects Maggie and Jim, helping them maintain their friendship despite the physical distance and the grim realities of war. Maggie's passion for the game also helps her cope with the challenges of her daily life, serving as a source of joy and distraction.
As the story progresses, the fate of Jim and Maggie's favorite team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, becomes intertwined. The Dodgers are in the World Series, and Maggie's scoring system becomes a way for her to feel connected to Jim and to maintain hope for a brighter future.
Lessons of Resilience and Friendship
Throughout Keeping Score, Maggie learns the power of resilience and the importance of friendship. She witnesses the impact of war on her loved ones and her community, and she finds strength in the face of adversity. Her friendship with Jim, though tested by distance and time, endures as a source of support and comfort.
In the end, the story comes full circle, with Maggie and Jim reunited at a Dodgers game. Although the team's move to Los Angeles marks the end of an era for Brooklyn, their shared love for baseball and their enduring friendship remain unshaken.
In conclusion, Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park is a poignant tale of friendship, resilience, and the enduring spirit of baseball. It offers a unique perspective on the Korean War era and the impact of the conflict on the home front, all through the lens of a young girl's unwavering love for her favorite sport and her friend.
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What is Keeping Score about?
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park is a heartwarming tale set in the 1950s. It follows the story of Maggie, a young girl who loves baseball and keeps score of every game. When her best friend's brother goes off to fight in the Korean War, Maggie learns the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and the power of forgiveness. This touching novel explores themes of family, community, and the bonds that unite us.
Keeping Score Review
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park (2009) follows the story of a young girl navigating challenges amid the backdrop of baseball in the 1950s. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Explores themes of perseverance and friendship against the historical context of post-Korean War America, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the era.
- Delivers a heartfelt narrative that beautifully intertwines the protagonist's personal growth with her passion for baseball, creating a touching and relatable story.
- Keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and turns that add layers of complexity to the storyline, ensuring a compelling and not-to-be-missed read.
Who should read Keeping Score?
Baseball fans who enjoy historical fiction
Readers interested in exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and identity
Young adult readers looking for a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1950s America
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Book summaries like Keeping Score
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Keeping Score FAQs
What is the main message of Keeping Score?
The main message of Keeping Score is about friendship, baseball, and overcoming challenges.
How long does it take to read Keeping Score?
Reading Keeping Score takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Keeping Score a good book? Is it worth reading?
Keeping Score is a heartwarming tale of loyalty and determination, making it a worthwhile read for all ages.
Who is the author of Keeping Score?
Linda Sue Park is the author of Keeping Score.
What to read after Keeping Score?
If you're wondering what to read next after Keeping Score, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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