“The main thing is, I appreciate how the themes and messages of the book seem to have struck a chord.”
– Aaron Derr
Derr, a writer with over 15 years of experience in creating engaging content for children, focuses on the vital themes of teamwork and resilience throughout his work. Illustrated by Gary LaCoste, known for his contributions to notable children’s brands and publications, this book aims to resonate with young readers and inspire them through relatable experiences in youth sports.
TWB: “Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story” has been well-received and recently won the BREW Children’s Book Excellence Award 2024. How do you feel about receiving this recognition, and what does the BREW award mean to you?
AD: It’s an honor. The main thing is, I appreciate the fact that my new friends at BREW really “got” the purpose of the book. You never know for sure how something you write is going to be received, and I don’t think many authors write books for the sole purpose of winning awards. The main thing is, I appreciate how the themes and messages of the book seem to have struck a chord. When I published that book, I hoped that it would work as both an entertaining story for kids and also for people to maybe get a message about the importance of leadership and teamwork.
TWB: Your book emphasizes the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Can you share how your personal experiences in sports influenced the themes in ‘Building a Team’?
AD: I played soccer as a kid. I was not very good, but I had fun playing with my friends and being coached by my friends’ parents. It was great! Many years later, both of my kids were involved in youth sports. They both had very positive experiences. The purpose of my book is not to comment on the current state of youth sports. I’m certain that most kids who play youth sports today have positive experiences, just like my kids did, and just like I did.
I do think that, in some situations, youth sports has evolved from a fun, happy-go-lucky experience to a high-pressure, win-at-all-costs experience. I prefer the former, but that’s just me. “Building a Team” is about what kids can learn from youth sports, mainly, leadership, teamwork, self-sacrifice for the greater good … all skills that they’ll need as adults.
TWB: Luis, the protagonist in your book, faces challenges as a new team captain. How did you approach writing his character to reflect real-life struggles young athletes might face?
AD: I wanted Luis to be a generally good-hearted — but not perfect — kid. I wanted him to be a kid that most readers could relate to. Like so many kids, he just wants to play baseball with his friends. As kids grow up, they are entrusted with more responsibilities. They have to get themselves up in the morning, handle their schoolwork on their own, things like that. Playing sports is a great way to teach them how to handle that responsibility. I hope that kids can relate to the idea of Luis having extra responsibilities thrust on him that he didn’t ask for.
TWB: What message do you hope young readers take away from Luis’s journey with the Manatees, especially in terms of leadership and working with diverse personalities?
AD: I hope they see how rewarding it was for Luis to accept his new responsibility and face it head-on. When faced with a challenge he didn’t ask for, he freaked out at first, like most people would. That’s totally understandable. Then, he took a deep breath and figured out a way to solve the problem.
TWB: You’ve had a long career writing for kids’ magazines and books. How has your approach to storytelling evolved over the years, particularly in the context of promoting healthy, positive values?
AD: I started writing for kids before I had my own kids. Raising my own kids — and watching them participate in sports — probably influenced me more than anything. I try not to be a “good ole days” person. Society changes, and we all change with it. That’s fine.
But as my kids grew up, I found myself drawn to writing stories in which kids ride bicycles and solve problems by talking them out. Take from that what you will! Maybe, someday, I’ll write a story with magic wizards and superpowers and things like that, but for now, I like stories about kids being kids.
TWB: Sports play a significant role in your life, both professionally and personally. How do you balance your passion for sports with your writing career, and how does one influence the other?
AD: As I write this, I am watching the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies play baseball on my TV. I’ve been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. As I’ve gotten older (and, again, raised my own kids), I’ve learned to appreciate sports for more than just the wins and losses. There’s a beauty and romance in sports when they’re done correctly. I’m very much moved and inspired by that. It’s a great metaphor for life.
TWB: Team-building is a central theme in ‘Building a Team.’ In your view, what are the most important qualities of a successful team, whether in sports or other areas of life?
AD: I think the No. 1 ingredient in a successful team, whether it’s in sports or business or whatever, is that everyone has to realize that the team comes first. It’s not about “you” and what’s best for “you.” It’s about what’s best for the team. Sometimes your team needs you to step up and be the star. Other times, they need to support the other players. That’s life!
TWB: As an author and a father, how do you incorporate lessons from your books into your parenting? Do you find that your children influence your writing?
AD: I would say it’s actually the opposite. I don’t incorporate lessons from my books into my parenting. I incorporate lessons from my parenting into my book. My kids are like most kids. Most of the time they make the right decisions, and my wife and I make sure they know how much we appreciate that.
Sometimes, they don’t make the right decisions, and then we have a conversation about why that was the wrong thing to do. It’s like running a business or coaching a team!
TWB: In addition to writing, you enjoy playing sports with your family. How do these activities inspire your stories, and do you have any favorite moments that have directly influenced your writing?
AD: My favorite memories of playing sports both when I was a kid and now as an adult with my kids are not the wins and losses. My favorite memories are the experiences. That’s why the Manatees in “Baseball Buddies” don’t always win the game. They aren’t perfect! They’re flawed, they make mistakes, and they learn from them. Just like the rest of us!
TWB: Looking forward, what new projects or themes are you excited to explore in your writing, particularly those that continue to inspire and educate young readers?
AD: The second book in the “Baseball Buddies” series is called “Second Chance.” It comes out next March. I am very excited for people to read it. It explores some of the same themes in the first book with a few extra twists thrown in.
My idea was, we’ve now created this team of baseball players who all like each other and get along great. What happens when some new players are introduced into the mix? And maybe the new players have different ideas of what makes a good teammate? Not a coincidence that once again this is something people have to deal with in their adult lives all the time!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What happens when some new players are introduced into the mix? And maybe the new players have different ideas of what makes a good teammate?”
– Aaron Derr
Useful Links
- Full book review of “Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story”
- Author’s bio
- LinkedIn profile
- Official book homepage
- More about the BREW Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards.
Share Your Insights
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the insights shared by Aaron Derr. Here are a few questions to consider:
- How do you think teamwork shapes a young athlete’s experience?
- What qualities do you believe are essential for effective leadership in sports?
- How have your own experiences in sports influenced your approach to teamwork?
Alignment with the UN SDGs
Aaron Derr’s Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering teamwork, leadership, and personal development among young athletes. Here’s how it connects:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
The book emphasizes learning through sports, teaching valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. These themes contribute to a well-rounded education for children, helping them develop both socially and emotionally through their participation in team activities. - SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
By showcasing a diverse team with varied personalities, Derr highlights the importance of inclusivity and cooperation in sports. This representation promotes acceptance and understanding among children from different backgrounds, helping to reduce inequalities. - SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The story encourages sportsmanship and fair play, which are foundational elements of peaceful coexistence in any community. By promoting positive interactions among teammates, the book fosters a culture of respect and understanding, contributing to stronger social structures. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The collaborative nature of team sports reflects the essence of partnerships. Derr’s emphasis on the team coming first exemplifies the spirit of collaboration necessary to achieve common goals, whether on the field or in broader societal contexts. - SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Engaging in sports contributes to physical health and well-being, while also providing mental and emotional benefits. Derr’s work inspires young readers to participate in sports, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
By addressing these themes, Building a Team serves as a valuable tool for promoting essential skills that align with the UN’s broader mission of fostering sustainable development and positive social change.
July 2024 marked a special milestone at The World’s Best Magazine as we proudly declare it as our Diversity, Resilience, and Inclusion Month. Throughout the month – and moving forward – we officially dedicate a special series of posts in our platform to celebrating the richness of diversity, the strength of resilience, and the power of inclusion.
Join us as we spotlight stories that showcase the myriad facets of diversity, from cultural heritage to individual identities. Through our features, we aim to amplify voices that demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring others to persevere and thrive.
Moreover, we pledge to champion inclusion in all aspects of our work, ensuring that every story, perspective, and experience is welcomed and valued. By embracing diversity, resilience, and inclusion, we strive to foster a more equitable and compassionate world.
Let’s come together to honor the beauty of our differences, celebrate the triumphs of the human spirit, and reaffirm our commitment to building a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
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I really enjoyed Mr. Derr’s novella. It’s hard to write for kids while still keeping the story realistic. I’m excited about the second installment!
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