The Contract (Jeter Publishing)

I purchased this book for my grandson's birthday. His family is a huge New York Yankee and Derek Jeter fan. Of course, I had to read the book first! This book is definitely written for middle grade children.The book itself is focused on Derek Jeter when he is in 3rd grade (also the age of my grandson.) There are some great moral values presented by his parents to Derek and written up in a contract that Derek must sign to continue to play baseball. The story spends time in the classroom as well as on the Little League baseball field. Although there were a lot of details of the baseball games (which were a bit much for me) I know that my grandson will love that.Much of the focus of this book is on the essay that Derek had to write as an assignment from his teacher on what he wants to be when he grows up. Even in third grade Derek knew he wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees. Derek's parents set the stage for that possibility with The Contract. As well as instilling the moral values it helped Derek to understand that only through hard work and determination could that dream become a reality. Derek's parents supported him and his dream and we all know now the result of those dreams.I understand that this book is the first of many that will follow. I am assuming that they will take the reader through the rest of Derek's story. All in all I think this is a must read for children. I cannot think of more than a handful of professional athletes that have shown us how a solid childhood background with strong moral values, hard work and the support of family can lead to fulfilling those childhood dreams.

In a world where there are so few positive sports star role-models - Derek Jeter stands out as a shining star in our home. We have all 4 of the books in his series. (We just received Fair Ball yesterday!) My 6 year old son has read The Contract, Hit or Miss, and Change Up; and has loved every one of them, as have I. My son even insisted on buying the books for his grandmother for her birthday (she's a librarian). She read and loved the books, and the two had great discussions about them! Each book has kept his interest through to the end, and are full of important life lessons. Knowing that these books are having a positive impact on my son's character and mind-frame does this Mamma's heart good. We will buy every one of the books in this series without a doubt, and if you have school-age boys - you should too!

The book Contract written by Derek Jeter is an ok book overall. The part that bored me though, was that it was pretty much like all the other baseball sport books. Most of the other books are different but this one just copied many of the situations with different wording, different characters, and the book just really stopped mid air. But I will say that since it was written in first person I did enjoy it a little more.One of the settings of the Contract is at their Little League ball diamonds. The book has multiple different settings as well. Like at Derek’s school, his house, his buddy’s house. Jeter does make you feel as if you are in the book. Jeter did make me see the setting if I closed my eyes, I understood the book more when he did that. It is if you're in the book yourself. I would recommend this book to someone who can’t read longer books. I would NOT recommend this to someone who likes longer books. I would only give this book 3 ½ stars.

My son read this entire book in a week and loved it. He is in 6th grade. He learned about the key factors that played a big part in Mr. Jeter's life that got him where he is. It really motivated my son to make changes in his life as he has the same goals and dreams Mr. Jeter did as a young boy/man. My son still is begging me to find a way to meet him. He doesn't understand that's not an easy thing to do so reading his books is as close as I can get him right now. He wants to collect all the books and as a parent, can't think of a better sports figure for my son to model himself after so that makes me happy.

This book is extraordinary. Jeter has started a publishing company and his first offerings are stories written with great lessons, for life and pursuing your dreams about sports, for young boys and girls. The Contract was given to Deter by his parents, that he had to sign in exchange for their approval, to pursue sportsll. It is a great pattern for all parents to give to their kids. The book is short, double-spaced, easy read about his life, that includes the Ups and Downs, maintaining good school grades, home chores and playing ball. Excellent read for all young athletes. It is targeted for middle school age kids. I'm 80 and enjoyed it! Dee

Great book and even stronger message for all who read it. My son even came to me and asked for a contract of his own that he follows religiously ! Everytime he might give us a hard time about something we simply mention his contract and he stops and thinks and then does what is asked of him. Bedtime is the best he even has set his watch so when it goes off at 9 he stops what he is doing and goes to bed. What a blessing not having to fuss at him to go to bed.

In these times when you don't know who you can trust or look up to, it is a rare find to find someone like Derek Jeter to write a book that you know will impress and influence our kids in a positive way. This book was bought as a Christmas present for my grandson. I didn't read the book, but I did page through it and from what I did read, this book will be treasured for years to come. Thank you, Derek, for lighting the way and showing our kids that hard work does pay off.You are more than a baseball star, you are a leader.

I am a Foster Grandparent in one of our local public schools working with 4th and 5th graders. I purchased specifically after hearing Derek Jeter talk about the contract he had with his parents. I have shared this book with a couple of the 5th grade boys and they have read it with interest - maybe for the great descriptions of the games, but the idea that determination, achievement and educations are all tied together seeps through their thought process. I will continue to share this book in the future.

A great read for boys around 12-14 - has many life lessons folded into an interesting kids upbringing to become a great ball player.

Great deal

A must read