Fast Pitch

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure of high expectations, whether in sports or academics, or if they are beginning to ask questions about systemic fairness and family legacy. It is a perfect fit for the young athlete who feels they have to work twice as hard to be seen, or the student who loves a good mystery rooted in real-world history. Fast Pitch follows Shenice Lockwood, a determined softball captain who must balance a championship run with a quest to clear her family's name after a long-buried injustice comes to light. The story masterfully weaves together themes of racial identity, the weight of generational history, and the importance of teamwork. While the sports action is high-energy, the heart of the book lies in Shenice's emotional growth and her discovery that true victory involves standing up for the truth. It is a realistic, hopeful, and empowering read for the 8 to 12 age group.