Throwing Like a Girl

Throwing Like a Girl
Weezie Kerr Mackey
Published by Marshall Cavendish, 2007; ISBN 0761453423
Recommended reading age: 12 and up

Summary:
Ella is fifteen when her parents decide to leave Chicago for Dallas. She has no desire to start a new school or meet new friends; she doesn’t want to miss the Prom with her best friends in Chicago; and she doesn’t want to give up city life for Texas. But while she expects all these hardships, she never imagines herself dealing with problems from sports. Ella gets invited to join the girls’ softball team, though she’s never played the game before. She has to learn the rules, practice hard and play well. On top of that, she meets a great guy with a horrible sister—who just happens to be on the softball team, too.

Review:
The writing’s a bit juvenile, but the story’s quick and engaging. I grew up playing sports and can’t imagine having to learn softball at 15. Because of her athletic ignorance, I took a sort of dislike to Ella. However, her innocence and determination eventually won me over. The romantic plot is pretty predictable, and the softball games are detailed, but never nail-biters. Still, Throwing Like a Girl is a decent choice when looking for a quick, light read. I’d recommend this book to girl athletes and high school freshmen.