The Twelfth Angel

THE TWELFTH ANGEL, by Og Mandino
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

John Harding's life is perfect—he is in love with his wife, they have a wonderful seven year old son, and they’ve just moved back to his hometown in the heart of New England. He’s recently been named the president and CEO of one of the largest computer companies in the nation—and then his world falls apart. His wife and son are killed in a car accident, leaving John behind, empty, alone, and ready to end it all. He’s got the gun out, pointed at his head, when he is interrupted by someone banging on his door, then on his window. One of his childhood friends has come to ask a favor—he wants him to manage a Little League team, the Angels, with him. Hearing his wife’s voice in his head telling him he can do it—he decides to give it a go, and meets Timothy in the process. Timothy, the twelfth Angel picked in the draft, is a tiny boy, with virtually no athletic ability. He has the heart of a champion though, and proves to be just what the team and John Harding need. Timothy’s fighting spirit and can-do attitude make John see that anything is possible in this life if you just believe, and never give up. This book will be enjoyed by any teenage boy or adult who loves the game of baseball—and has fond memories of Little League.