Beans Baker's Best Shot: Step Into Reading 3    by Richard Torrey Order:  USA  Can Knopf, 2006 (2006) Hardcover, Softcover     Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke Beans Baker is a shoe-in player on the Wildcats boys and girls soccer team. Best friend Chester and Beans dream about winning the championship, as they sit in their secret tree house, and think about where they will store their trophies. In a practice session just before the championship game, Beans and Chester both aim at kicking the ball at the same time. Oh, no! OUCH! Chester kicks Beans' right foot accidentally. When the doctor X-rays the foot, he finds a fracture. Beans will have to wear a cast and walk with crutches until the injury heals. Teammates cheer him up, and sign his cast - all except Chester who is worried that Beans will not be his friend anymore. On the day of the big championship game, Beans won't be able to play, of course, but all the team attends, no matter what. Arriving at the soccer field, they notice that Chester is not there. And they need his tactics and skills, if they hope to win. All members sign a soccer ball with positive messages. Beans offers to find Chester to give him the team's gift of encouragement. 'I'll give it my best shot', Beans proclaims, setting off to find Chester. Richard Torrey's story tells of friendship, teamwork, and support no matter what happens to the game plan. Beans Baker's Best Shot is a Step Into Reading 3 book that gives positive reinforcement to youngsters ready for 'reading on your own'. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews