James Hennessy is an award-winning author and screenwriter with eight produced films to his credit. His recently published book, Shane's Game, is a story of friendship, tragic loss and redemption set in the world of youth baseball.

James Kelly is a natural athlete who lives to play Little League baseball in the San Diego neighborhoods of Carmel Valley and Del Mar.

His new friend Shane loves animals and the ocean, but is not a "cool" kid, and doesn't fit into James' social group. Together, the two boys learn about the importance of character, the difficulties of peer acceptance and confronting their innermost fears.

When tragedy strikes, James makes a promise to his friend Shane -- a promise that takes all of his skills as a player and strength he never knew he possessed. Along the way, James finds the lessons he learned from his friend help in his efforts to deliver on his promise, and to get on with his life in the face of a tragic loss.

Inspired by actual events, the story captures a young boy's love of the national pastime and the enduring power of friendship in an unforgettable championship game with an electrifying outcome.

What reviewers are saying about Shane's Game (complete reviews available at Barnes and Noble website):

"People never realize exactly how much they love someone until they're gone. This book will help the reader realize it sooner. It's one of those books that makes you want to give your family, and especially your friends, a hug and an affectionate word or two. Shane's Game is an unforgettable book." (From a 12 year-old reader).

"This book is a wonderful story about the enduring power of friendship but the heart of the story presents one of the most difficult concepts for young adults to grasp--the premature death of a friend. The author movingly portrays James Kelly's passage through his grief in a way that parents and children can understand and that will reassure and comfort anyone who reads this book. The lyrical passages about baseball will delight any lover of the game."