It has so much to talk about, and it would definitely fit in with other books that have the big idea of an underdog. Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: In addition to adding this title to any library for middle school students, I also envision Sweet Spot as a lit circle or book club title. Or anyone who has been underestimated in general. Or anyone who has been somewhere that they don’t fit in. Even outside of the scenario of playing baseball, these are things that woman are going to here–from males and other females!īut in addition to this too-real reflection of life, Sam’s story will hit home with anyone who has tried to do something that others thought they couldn’t. And when she stands up for herself, she is told to take a joke or calm down. As a female, there are so many moments in this book that seem too real and really made me angry: she is called emotional just because she is passionate, people act as if she is fragile and can’t take care of herself, and her talent is constantly questioned.

As a “tomboy” you are constantly questioned and made fun of, so to be so out in the spotlight, Sam definitely feels she needs to prove herself. But I also know how hard it is to cross gender barriers. I right away had a direct connection with Sam because she was living a dream I had when I was younger. I love baseball, but like most girls, softball is really the only option. Placed at the bottom with the weaker players, she will have to work her way up to A league, not just to show Coach that she can be the best team player possible, but to prove to herself that she can hold a bat with the All-Star boys. But the moment she arrives, miscommunication sets the week up for potential disaster. Her coach barely lets her play, even though she’s one of the best hitters on the team.Īll stakes now rest on Sam’s performance at baseball training camp. Why shouldn’t she have an attitude? As the only girl playing in the 13U league, she’s had to listen to boys and people in the stands screaming things like “Go play softball,” all season, just because she’s a girl. Summary: When thirteen-year-old Sam Barrette’s baseball coach tells her that her attitude’s holding her back, she wants to hit him in the head with a line drive. Published March 25th, 2016 by Spellbound River Press

The Sweet Spot by Stacy Barnett Mozer