Sixth grade can be a tension convention for Nate Wright. His baseball team's just been given the lamest name in Little League history; he's on the verge of becoming know-it-all Gina's personal servant for a day; and Spitsy, the closest thing he has to a dog of his own, is in love with a CAT. Yup, Nate's up to his ears in stress. Luckily, the perfect remedy is close at hand: an empty plastic soda bottle. All Nate has to do is drum it gently against his head -- thunka, thunka, thunka -- and the pressures of dealing with Coach John, Mrs. Godfrey, and the terrifying Kim Cressly begin to fade...

Here come the Cream Puffs Nate and his baseball team, saddled with the most embarrassing moniker in Little League history, want to show the world they're not just a bunch of cupcakes. But it won't be easy. Their opponents mock them. The local sports section misprints Nate's name--THREE TIMES. And now, on the day of the big game, illness and injuries have the team facing a crushing defeat . . . unless the unlikeliest Cream Puff of all can come in from the bullpen and save the day.

With a softhearted pitcher who channels his inner panda, a vengeful girlfriend who swings for...