THE GOATNAPPERS

In this sequel to Lost Goat Lane (2004), the endearing Martin family returns with the focus on 14-year-old Justin. The first freshman selected to the varsity baseball team in 20 years, Justin must keep good grades, make it to after-school practice and help his single-parent mom, who supports three kids. Things go awry when Justin sells his pet goat, Little Billy, to buy a bike, but discovers the new owner mistreats him. Then Justin’s long-lost father, Charlie, materializes in a red sports car eager to lure Justin into his fast-lane lifestyle as a race-car mechanic. Meanwhile, Justin, his siblings and neighborhood pals pull-off a daring “goatnapping,” hiding Little Billy in an abandoned barn. Distracted by Charlie and Little Billy, Justin’s grades and baseball practices deteriorate, jeopardizing his place on the team. Should Justin follow Charlie’s mercurial footsteps or stick it out at home? With some team effort from family and friends, Justin makes up his own mind. The goatnappers’ amusing antics and Justin’s challenging choices make this a good read for middle-graders. (Fiction. 8-12)