The Sweet Spot
A home run of a novel about baseball and belonging, from the acclaimed author of Half Moon Summer.
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“A thrilling and nuanced baseball story proving that determination and compassion can coexist.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Twelve-year-old Trip’s summer to-do list has exactly one thing on it: win the local Little League championship. But then Dad unexpectedly deploys overseas just before the season starts. And Sam (short for Samantha) joins the team, which changes more than just the line-up.
Suddenly nothing feels right at home or on the field—the two places he’s always belonged.
The season isn’t what he imagined, but Trip sticks with it. Until news about Dad leaves him convinced that he has to choose between family and baseball. Feeling more unsure than ever about who he’s supposed to be and where he belongs, Trip makes an impossible decision. But what if he doesn’t need to choose at all?
Fast-paced and player-focused, The Sweet Spot highlights the challenges of being a passionate athlete and a compassionate person at the same time.
Praise for Half Moon Summer
- A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
“Thank you for giving our military kids a voice. The portrayal of life through Trip’s eyes is raw, real, and deeply needed. . . This story reminds us that belonging and worth are not limited resources—they grow when we lean into our values, our empathy, and our courage, especially in the midst of heartache. It’s a powerful exploration of how even our most painful experiences can shape us for good.”
Morgan Wood Slade, therapist, writer, and military spouse
“A thrilling and nuanced baseball story proving that determination and compassion can coexist.”