Black daughter, white father, white mother. Race, adoption, and identity collide in this award-winning #OwnVoices debut about a teen challenging the life she's always known. Being a transracial adoptee doesn't bother sixteen-year-old Alex Kirtridge-at least, not in a way she can explain to her white family. It doesn't matter that she's biracial when she's the star of the baseball team. But when Alex is off the field, she's teased for "acting" too white and judged for looking black. And while she loves her parents, her hot-headed brother, and her free-speaking sister, they don't seem to understand what it means that Reggie, a fellow ball player, is the first black guy who's wanted to get to know her. Things only get more complicated when she finds hidden letters from her birth father. Alex can't stop asking questions. Does she really fit in with her family? What would it be like to go to a black hairdresser? Should she contact her birth father, despite the fact that it might devastate her parents? Meanwhile, her body is changing, and Alex isn't sure she can keep up with her teammates. If she's going to find answers, Alex must come to terms with her adoption, her race, and the dreams she thought would always guide her. Author Shannon Gibney draws from her own experiences as a transracial adoptee to deliver this honest coming-of-age novel about a girl who doesn't know where she wants to fit in. Paperback edition includes a reading guide at the back!

"A wonderful picture book biography. Little girls will be inspired."* This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It's a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth's mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the first--and only--woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. From author Audrey Vernick and illustrator Don Tate comes the remarkable story of an all-star of a woman. *Brightly.com

This engaging book showcases a girl preparing for her softball game and hitting a home run! The book includes simple text and vibrant photos, making it a perfect choice for beginning readers. It also includes a table of contents, picture glossary, and index. This Little Blue Readers book is at Level 2, aligned to reading levels of grades K-1 and interest levels of grades PreK-2.

Sisters Emilia and Natalia love softball, and this year they will be playing on the same team; Emilia is an excellent and confident pitcher, and while Natalia is just as good when the two practice together, she lacks confidence and would sooner play catcher--but when Emilia hurts her ankle during a game, Natalia overcomes her reluctance and takes the mound as relief pitcher.

Sisters Emilia and Natalia love softball, and this year they will be playing on the same team; Emilia is an excellent and confident pitcher, and while Natalia is just as good when the two practice together, she lacks confidence and would sooner play catcher--but when Emilia hurts her ankle during a game, Natalia overcomes her reluctance and takes the mound as relief pitcher.

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays is one of baseball's most powerful sluggers. He broke a home run record in the 2019 Home Run Derby. Readers will learn how this superstar develops his incredible skills.

Man on third. Two outs. The pitcher eyes the base runner, checks for the sign. The fans in the jammed stadium hold their breath. Flapping his outstretched arms like wings, number 42 leads off again. It is September 1955, game one of the World Series, the Yankees versus the Dodgers, and Jackie Robinson is about to do the unbelievable. Attempt to steal home. In a World Series game. To race a baseball thrown from the pitcher's mound and win! Is it possible? Yes, it is -- if you are Jackie Robinson!

In the ninth book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade series inspired by the life of iconic New York Yankee Derek Jeter, Derek must learn how to be a team player from the dugout and the importance of taking care of his body. Seventh grade is off to a rocky start for Derek Jeter. But he’s soon distracted by all that’s going on in his own life…which includes basketball and baseball team responsibilities. He’s talked about it with his parents, and he’s certain he can play both sports while also doing well in school. Quickly, though, the two sports begin to take their toll, and Derek finds himself on the bench with an injury. How can Derek show his commitment to his teammates, his coaches, and the sports he loves when he can’t actively participate? Inspired by Derek Jeter’s childhood, Switch-Hitter is the ninth book in Jeter Publishing’s New York Times bestselling middle grade baseball series that focuses on key life lessons from Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation.

Andrew Larsen’s latest story celebrates the eternal hope and joy of baseball. Lenny loves playing baseball. He also loves reading about it. He wants to be in the big leagues, and, he figures, the more he knows, the better his chances. The only thing is, when he’s in the outfield, the ball somehow always ends up by his feet and not in his glove. But he and his dad practice. And practice. Lenny doesn’t give up. And it pays off. He makes a game-changing catch! Now he’s proven he can be great some of the time. Which makes him just like the greatest Hall of Famers, right? All you need is glove — as long as you believe!

"Derek is about to turn 13, and as the school year comes to an end and summer baseball season is about to begin, Derek knows that if he does his best both on and off the field, the future will look bright next year in 8th grade, and it'll be a grand slam!"--

A pitcher reads his catcher's signal ... slider, down, and away. He winds up and releases. Swing and a miss! Young baseball fans will enjoy reading all about the daring pitches, hits, and plays of the World Series. Readers can easily follow the leveled text as they learn more about the history, stars, and moments of the ultimate baseball championship.