Fast Pitch by Nic Stone

Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Nic Stone's narration of her middle grade book about softballer Shenice Lockwood and her impetus to make take her all black team all the way to the Fast Pitch World Series. It is also about Shenice meeting her ill Great Uncle Jack who slides in and out of dementia, but on a day when he is clear minded tells Shenice about her great grandfather JonJon and how he was set up as a thief and lost the ability to prove himself as one of the Baseball greats. As Shenice tries to solve this mystery, she also loses focus on herself and bringing the team to greatness. I could not stop listening to this awesome sports story blending past (discrimination in baseball) and present, humor, suspense, friendship and family. A must read!

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A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner

A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great read! I read this as part of #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge (Direction in the Title) and 6th grader Silas Wade is such a likeable relatable character with lots of friends and a secret. When he researches Glenn Burke, a baseball player, he finds the challenges Glenn Burke faces on and off the field arresting and surprisingly hits close to home for Silas. With lots of frenetic energy, enthusiasm for baseball, and the need to stand out as the funny guy on his baseball team, Silas also has a strength and fragility. This is such a good book about being true to yourself, being honest and upfront ---Silas' challenges will ring true to middle grade readers; a must read!

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Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this graphic novel that takes place in Metropolis in 1946, a Chinese American family moves in and their 2 children become friends with Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane and fight racism and evil. This graphic novel will appeal to all who read it, teens and adults with it's new take on kids helping thwart crime and terroristic threats!

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Curveball: The Year ILost My Grip by Jordan Sonneblick

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jordan Sonneblick has done it again combining humor and heart break as Peter has to say good-bye to his beloved baseball due to a major injury. What he gains freshman year is a cute girl partner who is an ace photographer, his grandfather’s photography equipment, and a prize spot as the yearbook sports photographer. A great read for guys, girls and reluctant readers.


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