Fred Bowen
For many in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, author Fred Bowen is known not only for his sports stories but his weekly column that appears in the Washington Post. Fred has several new books and has also been testing a variety of new techniques with his school and conference appearances. He recently tried a webinar, but then he discovered that he really missed the feedback from the kids. When you actually see your audience you immediate feedback and you know immediately if thing are "clicking." Fred also noted that he is used to walking and talking which is not what happens in a webinar. He also remarked that it will also be a learning curve using Skype which does offer more possibilities for interaction than a webinar.
Fred remarked that PowerPoint presentations, while often overdone, can be effective. For example, he can show his books and other pictures such as his high school golf team buddies and then that same group 37 years later. This kind of long term relationship is really an important part of the books that he writes—friendships that develop or are related to sports. What are his sources? Fred told me that there are always "things going on" in the sports world. His experience coaching kids for many years resulted in Playoff Dreams. The same is true of Off the Rim, a story about a kid who wants to be a star but has to learn to contribute, especially in a team sport like basketball. The same is true of football—"sure everyone would like to be the quarterback and when one tries out and doesn't make quarterback, it is those who are really interested in playing the game and being part of a team that stick it out in another position. The ones who just wanted to be stars leave. You need more than Michael Jordan on your team to win."
If you follow soccer, you probably know how many games are decided by one goal, or one play, even though every player has to play hard all the time. There seem to be so many different plays that can appear to be meaningless, but that person who got the ball at midfield and manages to assist in making a score certainly can make a difference. There are plenty of situations/issues that arise in sports and that kids see and understand. They can relate to issues when they are brought up in a sports related milieu--especially issues such as honesty which in turn carries over into their daily lives. He related a story about a Cornell team that tossed themselves out of the playoffs when they realized that they had not won the game fairly. Fred not only tackles these tough issues in his book, he does the same in his sports column, like his piece about Hamm and how he probably should have returned the medal when it was discovered that the score was miscalculated. Also the football player Albert Haynesworth who stopped trying to play his best, had an attitude and action that was really unacceptable no matter how you feel about a coach (or teacher). Not working hard or not going to work are examples of unacceptable behavior. The penalty in this case was suspension from play and in all probability never playing for the Redskins again.
Stepping back in time, Fred related how he really began his writing career. He wrote movie reviews for a local newspaper and after his son, Liam, was born he moved to movie video reviews. This type of writing was quite a change from his work life—as a lawyer his writing was not geared to the general consumer like those who would be reading movie reviews. His career for the government as an attorney at the Department of Labor ended in 2008 after 30 years. He is now devoting his full energies to writing books and his newspaper column. As Fred noted--"It really is hard to believe that I have been writing it for ten years. The column is fun, but it also keeps my name alive and kids always want to know when my new book it going to be published." He also gets a real kick about being on top of "hot" sports issues. For example, his editor called on a Tuesday with the news about Haynesworth and requested that it be the subject of the next column. In two hours Fred had his 450 words ready to go and it appeared in the Thursday edition of Kids Post. He knows that his columns are read and discussed in schools and is delighted when teachers compliment him on what he has written. It gives Fred a real chance to say something—present his message.
Why sports books? Well in addition to playing sports himself, Fred discovered in reading sports books to his son that they were "clunky." They did not seem to take sports seriously and believe me, said Fred, kids do take sports seriously. His first attempt at writing a book didn't work—but over time he honed his craft and then wrote T.J's Secret Pitch. One of the people who helped Fred is Valerie Tripp—yes the one who writes the American Girl stories. The idea of marrying history and the story is what helped set her series apart, so why couldn't Fred do the same? He did, and the result has been a very successful series—all published by Peachtree with more books under contract at the time of this interview. Lest people think that Fred is rolling in dough—he made it a point to say that he has not made piles of money. He is just delighted that he gets to write more books and feels that they are at a good price point for this economy (Fred Bowen's Sports series are original paperbacks). So far Fred has written about basketball, football, baseball and soccer. Nothing on golf and yet he is a golfer. Kids have also requested stories about lacrosse. But Fred is branching out. His first picture book No Easy Way: The Story of Ted Williams was quite successful and he has another one that will be published soon.
One of the real pluses of having a writing career is that Fred can now work from home. He also has more time to read books by other authors and pointed out how much he enjoyed Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. In addition, Fred now has more time for school visits. One of his programs incorporates a writing exercise with kids. It starts by developing a series of talking points—developing a list of what to write about. His goal is to demystify the whole writing process and to break in into logical pieces. It is a good exercise and seems to be a successful program.
I mentioned earlier that Fred used to read sports books to his son Liam. Well the love of sports must be part of the genes because his son is now a graduate assistant and pitching coach at a Division 2 school—Lincoln Memorial University and has aspiration of moving up to Division 1. He has also been struck by the writing bug and has maintained a notebook for himself about running a college baseball program. As Fred said, "until you have thought it out enough to write it out, you haven't really thought it out." His son was also number one in the state of Maryland for sports writing in a school newspaper and was one of the finalist in the Hemmingway award (it is only fair to mention that his mother also is a writer), so he had his talent coming from both parents.
Fred has a daughter who is a senior at the University at Mary Washington and has also had some wonderful experiences in sports. She played field hockey and managed to become a "mvp" during her high school career. Not only did her skill level increase, but so did her confidence and ability to see herself in a leadership role. For Fred there could be no better example of the positive influence sports can have on a young life. He plans to keep on writing books and wants more kids to discover his stories and take away the messages that he presents.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Dugout Rivals
Fred Bowen
Jake Daley loves baseball. He loves to play shortstop, and he loves to win. Jake plays for the Red Sox in a community baseball league, and his team is mediocre until Adam Hull joins the team. Adam is a superstar. He is good at all the aspects of the game but especially pitching and hitting, two qualities that bring a win. Jake is very excited until a streak of jealousy hits him as he sees Adam get all the recognition for the team's success. There are eight other players on the field and more in the dugout. How is it possible that Adam can be the one thing everyone sees as the success? There is always more to things than there seems. Adam has his own issues, but Jake cannot see it at first. When his father becomes as interested in Adam's stats as Jakes, Jake must find it in himself to allow friendship to be bigger than the game. 2010, Peachtree Publishers, $5.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Patricia Williamson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781561455157
Hardcourt Comeback
Fred Bowen
Brett Carter is the star of his basketball team, the one the other players rely on to pull them into the lead and keep them there. But when Brett panics at a rock wall climbing center, he loses his edge and feels as if his whole life has begun to spiral downward. No matter how much Brett practices or studies, he cannot seem to do as well as he did before he froze climbing the wall. Despite everyone's reassurances, Brett cannot help but feel he is failing everyone. It is not until his coach takes him back to the rock climbing center and he forces himself to complete the climb that he feels as if he can begin to climb out of the hole his entire life has plunged into. It is a long climb back to the place Brett felt when he was everyone's star athlete and student, and there are several times when Brett feels as if he is still failing, but eventually he realizes that he has already overcome the toughest hurdle and will soon be the all star again. The story is rather simplistic in nature but addresses a concern that plagues many young people who have had too much responsibility thrust upon them at a young age. This book will greatly appeal to fans of basketball. 2010, Peachtree Publishers, $5.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781561455164
No Easy Way: The Story of Ted Williams and the Last .400 Season
Fred Bowen
Illustrated by Charles S. Pyle
Crack! Imagine the sound of the bat hitting the ball as major-league hitter, Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox brought his batting average to .406 at the end of the season. His passion was baseball and he practiced playing through his years in school, the minor-league and then the majors. Ted Williams wasn't satisfied with an easy way to hit .400; he was determined to go all the way. He learned how to determine which pitches to swing at and he practiced smooth, strong swings to constantly improve his batting skills. The story focuses on his journey toward his magnificent feat. Wonderful, color illustrations capture different moments in Williams' career as they lead up to his well-earned moment of a record batting average. In addition, there are a few photographs of Williams. On the back cover, fans will find his baseball statistics. For those readers interested in additional information on about Williams, the author cites a couple resources on the cataloging in publication page. 2010, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780525478775
Soccer Team Upset
Fred Bowen
With superstar Zack playing attacking midfielder and his best friend Tyler playing on the sides, the "Cougars" soccer team is invincible. But when Zack and two more of their best players are offered a chance to play for an exclusive team, the Panthers, Tyler and the rest of the Cougars are left high and dry. At first Tyler is thrilled when Coach Murray has him take over Zach's old midfielder position, but as they lose game after game Tyler becomes more discouraged. Tyler gains confidence from hearing the story of how America upset the 1950's World Cup. He continues his diligent and demanding practices in hopes of helping the Cougars defeat the more polished teams and win the County Cup. The fast pacing makes this story of friendship and overcoming insurmountable odds engaging, especially to soccer fans. Additionally, play-by-play accounts of the games make the action easy to follow and highly suspenseful, as readers become engrossed in whether or not a score will be made or a game won. 2009, Peachtree, $5.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Melissa Joy Adams (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781561454952
Throwing Heat
Fred Bowen
Last year, in seventh grade, Jack struck out almost every batter he faced. Things are different this year, however. He has moved up to another level and the distance from the pitching mound to home plate is longer. Jack's fastball is no longer staying in the strike zone. He is walking too many batters and allowing too many runs by his opponents. Finn, his older sister's new boyfriend, is a pitching coach at a local college. He offers to give Jack advice. Finn tells Jack there is more to pitching than throwing heat, and he talks about the difference between two former baseball players: Steve Dalkowski and Sandy Koufax. Who is Steve Dalkowski? Jack asks that same question. Although he hears what Finn tells him, he isn't convinced until the final game of the regular season to put the directives into action. Bowen seamlessly weaves baseball history into this story. There is plenty of baseball action to keep sports fans engaged. His character-building themes subtly unfold. Young athletes will find smooth dialogue, well-developed characters, and a storyline with which they can identify. This satisfying read is highly recommended. 2010, Peachtree, Ages 10 to 14, $5.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-56145-540-9
ISBN: 1-56145-540-7
Touchdown Trouble
Fred Bowen
Twelve-year old Sam is the star of his little league football team, the Cowboys. The players work together and play to win. They remain undefeated as the most important game of the season is fast approaching. Their opponents, the Giants, hold the same record: 5-0. The winner of this game is predicted to win the league championship, and no one doubts the importance of the upcoming game. It is close, and Sam relies on his teammates to help seal the deal. The Cowboys take the victory thanks to Sam's final touchdown, but not by much. The final score is 18-16. The following week, the team gathers at Sam's house for their Friday night ritual of ordering pizza and watching the last week's game. The Cowboys are now the only undefeated team in the league. As they watch the final play, Sam is sickened to realize that he did not, in fact, score during those final moments. The referee had mistakenly given Sam's team one extra down, making the final touchdown no good. The team is divided about what to do next. Sam and Eddie feel as though they only won by cheating. The other teammates feel that it was the referee's mistake and they should not be penalized for it. The team's decision is made during a contemplative discussion between the teammates on the night before the final game. They take a vote. The Cowboys decide to contact the head of the league and break the news. The team walks away with something more valuable than a win: integrity and virtue. Fred Bowen writes truthfully and passionately about sports, teamwork and adolescents. A great suggestion for reluctant male readers. 2009, Peachtree, $5.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Summer Whiting (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781561454976
Winners Take All
Fred Bowen
How does it feel to cheat at something important, get away with it and then mistakenly become a hero because of it? Kyle finds out the hard way when he fakes a winning catch that leads his baseball team one step closer to the championships. Although he is unable to bask guilt-free in this kind of glory, he chooses it over the truth. The problem is, there is someone who knows that Kyle didn't really catch the final fielder that landed over the fence, and he wants Kyle to fess up. Kyle chooses to ignore him despite the growing twinges of guilt and shame that dog him. Kyle's grandmother, a real baseball aficionado, coincidentally regales Kyle with tales of sportsmanship and honesty and the great baseball hall-of-famer Christy Mathewson, giving Kyle the framework to rethink his actions and do the right thing despite the disappointment of his family, coach and teammates. Any child who has ever been tempted to fudge the truth in order to get a pat on the back will relate to this meaningful tale of redemption and the power of honesty. It is part of the "AllStar SportStory" series. 2000, A Peachtree Junior Publication Peachtree Publishers, $4.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Deans (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781561452293
To see a previous feature on Fred Bowen, click here.
Added 1/28/11
To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.