Throw Like a Girl

Gr 7 Up–Liv is a 16-year-old softball player at Windsor Prep who has a lot on her mind. Her mom has breast cancer, and Stacey, a rival teammate, bad-mouths Liv’s sister for being a lesbian. At the same time, Liv loses her scholarship to private school. Coach Kitt offers Liv a spot on the public school’s softball team, if she will manage the boys’ football team. She gets closer to injured quarterback Grey, then discovers that the reason for her spot on the team is a lie. This book will resonate with readers who love sports. Liv is an ideal character for teens to look up to, as she makes a few small mistakes but is still able to prevail. There are some stereotypical characters, such as the mean head cheerleader who gives tomboy Liv a hard time. However, there is also some welcome realism, like that Grey doesn’t easily waltz onto the field after sustaining a concussion. This book is appropriate for younger readers as there is no sex and only mild swearing.