The Sweet Spot

A home run of a novel about baseball and belonging, from the acclaimed author of Half Moon Summer.

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.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionA thrilling and nuanced baseball story proving that determination and compassion can coexist.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A strong choice for school and public libraries, this is a positive, engaging story for upper middle graders and a welcome addition to baseball fiction collections.
—School Library Journal (starred review)Elaine Vickers is an award-winning author of picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels that aim to help readers of all ages find connection and belonging, including Half Moon Summer. She grew up in a small town in the Utah desert, where she spent her time reading, exploring, and playing sports—including one season of T-ball. Several years and one PhD later, she found her way back to her hometown, where she now spends her time writing, exploring with her family, and teaching college chemistry.