41 pages 1 hour read

Nic Stone

Fast Pitch

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Fast Pitch by Nic Stone follows Shenice Lockwood, the captain of the first all-Black girls' team in the Dixie Youth Softball Association, on her mission to lead her team to their first championship title while uncovering the truth about a historical wrong done to her family. She balances her athletic goals with investigating a legacy of injustice, addressing themes such as racism, family legacy, and leadership. Themes surrounding racism and sexism in sports are present in the book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nic Stone's Fast Pitch is praised for its engaging and inspirational story, vibrant characters, and powerful themes of perseverance and teamwork. Critics commend Stone's ability to tackle pertinent social issues within a sports narrative context. However, some note that the plot follows predictable patterns. Overall, it’s a spirited read for young audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Fast Pitch?

Readers who enjoy a mix of sports and social themes will love Fast Pitch by Nic Stone. Ideal for middle grade fans of Ghost by Jason Reynolds or The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, this novel blends baseball with issues of racial identity and perseverance, appealing to those who appreciate dynamic characters and inspiring stories.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

790L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Topics

Sports

Themes

Identity: Race

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Family