John Coy
John Coy
author • speaker • educator

Top of the Order

Book 1 in the 4 for 4 Series
Four friends   •   Four sports   •   Four books

Top of the OrderI wrote the 4 for 4 series of middle-grade novels thinking about the reader I was at that age. I wanted to write about four friends who are nuts about sports and the challenges they face on and off the field. The series spans the time from the spring of their fifth-grade year, through the summer, and then into middle school. Each book focuses on a different sport: baseball, soccer, football, and basketball.

The first book, Top of the Order, introduces Jackson, Isaac, and Gig to a new kid at school, Diego, who can play. The four of them go out for their local team, but they are short a second baseman. The person who arrives to play surprises them all and causes difficulties on their team and on their friendship.

2010 Bank Street College of Education
Best Books of the Year List

 

A Creative Reaction

William, from Cherokee School in Lake Forest, Illinois displays his creative reaction to Top of the Order.
William, from Cherokee School in Lake Forest, Illinois
 

A Visit Back Home

To celebrate the release of Top of the Order, John visited with Dr. Florence Garrison (my fifth-grade teacher) and fifth-grade classmate Kim Hill, who is now the principal at Flynn Elementary School in Eau Claire.
John Coy with Dr. Florence Garrison   Principal Kim Hill, John Coy, and Dr. Garrison
 

How Top of the Order Got Its Original Look

Doug Fraser sketch from Top of the OrderTop of the Order - orginal coverYou can take a look at Doug Fraser's sketches for the artwork in Top of the Order by visiting Doug's blog.

Doug has added notes for each sketch to explain what he was trying to accomplish or what intrigued him about the challenge of illustrating this story. You can leave your own comments about Doug' sketches, too.

 

Fan with Pink Glove

Fan with pink glove
 
4 for 4 series

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