"Heart of the Hide"

 

Book Description

On the outside, Nicky Palmieri is just a little different from the average kid who loves baseball. Several surgeries on his cleft palate have left noticeable bumps and scars on his lip. He desperately wants to look like the other kids, but the doctors' empty words and promises set bad examples about lying.

On the inside, Nicky dreams of reaching the big leagues. His baseball glove-an expensive professional model-is an extension of his hand. Nicky knows where his glove is at all times, until one day when he secretly places his prized possession in an unusual place. When his family and closest friends ask him about the glove's whereabouts, a long string of lies follows. Most are harmless little fibs, but one falsehood leads to a catastrophe that changes Nicky's life forever.

Join Nicky and the Kelsey Avenue Crew for a series of wild events that teaches him about the power of truth.

 

 

Customer Reviews:

 

It'll make you laugh and cry, March 15, 2006

Reviewer:  Nancy Weiner

I picked this up on a rainy Sunday, and couldn't put it down. It is described as a young adult reader, but I recommend it for everyone. I started reading it for the baseball but was quickly surprised that it offered much more. I look forward to other works by this author.

 

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A reviewer, a Mom, 03/16/2006

  From the Heart!

Heart of the Hide is an awesome read for all ages. I laughed, cried and rooted for the Kelsey Ave Crew right to the end. It's a story about baseball, friendship and overcoming many obstacles in the life of a 12 year old. I gave it to my 11 year old the minute I finished.

 

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Dr. Tom Burke, A reviewer, 03/29/2006  

  'Heart of the Hide' - A Grand Slam for All Readers

This is an absolutely fabulous book on many levels. The author portrays the complexity of what it's like to be a typical baseball-loving boy, who just happens to have a handicap. It's upbeat, sensitive and deals with situations we've all faced in our lives without becoming pedantic or moralistic. The main character evolves throughout every page, and young readers will be able to identify with the issues he encounters both on and off the field. Plus, it's fun to read, especially if you have kids (or are a kid) and love baseball!

 

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I. Caulfield, an avid reader., 04/10/2006  

  AMAZING

I thought the book was absolutely amazing and I would recommend it to both young and old readers. The novel is well written and heartwarming. The characters are well developed. ' Nicky', the main character made me both laugh and cry as he struggled with growing up and the challenges of life and death. The author makes you feel like you want to stand up and cheer for the Kelsey team. Great Book.

 

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A Home Run!, April 13, 2006

Reviewer:  K. Jackson (East Setauket, New York USA)

Not just a baseball story, but a story of adolescents and the neighborhoods that raise them. There is a Nicky on every block and in all our hearts.

 

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  Fantastic!!, May 18, 2006

Reviewer:  E. Fleming (Cincinnati, Ohio)

This book has special meaning to me because my husband and 4 year old son both have cleft lip and palate. My husband especially relates to growing up and feeling different, but having big dreams.

Thanks for telling your story!

 

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A reviewer, a 17 year old student/writer, 07/01/2006  

  Wonderful

i was never really interested in school, it was never fun for me until in sixth grade i had mr.lou pertrucci with his up beat energy and his different learning techniques i enjoyed school everyday and learned how to write which i now love more then anything! mr petrucci taught different then any teacher i know and its exactly how hes writes his books! he keeps you entertained, so entertained that you cant put the book down until its done! it was an amazing book from an amazing writer and i know that theres much more to come from him! i highly reccomend this book to anyone young and old, youll laugh youll cry and i promise you will really enjoy it!

 

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  Reviewer: A reviewer from Port Jefferson, NY US  07/01/2006

Lou Petrucci was my six grade teacher at Minnesauke elementary school in 2000. His different teaching skills made school interesting and fun and I feel the same way about this book. You can relate to it and it keeps you interested! this is how Mr. Petrucci led his class and now writes his books! I'm so proud to say that I know such a great writer and I know that there will be more great things in the future! I highly recommend this book for anybody and I promise that you will enjoy it!

 

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A reviewer, A reviewer, 08/11/2006  

  Perfect

a perfect book in every aspect. teaches you not to give up on life, or to give up on yourself. very funny, but sad in some parts as well. a good book for anybody, even if you've never played baseball in your life.

 

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A reviewer (pattrudy@hotmail.com), A reviewer, 08/11/2006  

  Keeps You Wanting More

It's just a warm and wonderful read. As an adult myself, I had no problem fitting into the life of Nicky. It's a book about the lessons of life. Hats off to the author. Can't wait for the next one.

 

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A reader, from Farmingdale, Long Island, NY, 08/14/2006  

  Extraordinary Creative Genius

'Heart of the Hide' is a powerfully captivating story which brilliantly blends real life and fiction. It is obvious that the author, Lou Petrucci, not only enjoys and understands the game of baseball, but has baseball in his soul as he masterfully conveys life's lessons through West Haven's own Nicky Palmieri, his friends and his family. I must warn you, once you begin to read 'Heart of the Hide', you will find it difficult to put the book down. Nicky Palmieri learns about life, about death, about friendship, about pain, and about love. Mostly, Nicky learns to deal with and overcome many of life's unfair challenges with the love and support of his family and closest friends. As you complete each gripping chapter and anxiously begin the next, you will embrace Nicky, share some of life's joys and sorrows, as you certainly sense the author's own strong passion for the great game of baseball. Readers will enjoy a virtual tour of West Haven, Connecticut, and will easily relate with the Palmieri family, their son Nicky, and his friends from the Kelsey Avenue Crew. I would highly recommend this book to anyone - young or old - whether or not you enjoy baseball. With each chapter I read, I found myself warmly reflecting on my own youth, the sandlot, my own childhood experiences, and the friends along the way that I will remember forever.

 

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DONNA, a fifth grade teacher, 08/15/2006  

  WOW!!!

As the busy mother of three, I must confess that I haven't read an entire book (for fun) in a very long time. I not only finished Heart of the Hide but I couldn't put it down. I would recommend it to young adults and parents alike, especially if you are a baseball fan. Even without a love for baseball it is an incredible story. The characters seem so real that you can't wait to find out what happens next.

 

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  Robin L. Hunt, 09/20/06

Reviewer: Robin L. Hunt (Branford, CT USA, but ALWAYS a Westie!)

A story that hits home!! I also could not put this book down! I grew up in the city Petrucci bases his book on and am the daughter of one of the teachers mentioned in the Acknowledgements. It was a joy to read and identify with the people and places. My father has since passed away, and yes Lou, it does him justice!!!

Thank you!!!

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Product Details