Throw Like a Girl

Olive “Liv” Rodinsky, 16, is a softball phenom, lauded by the private school she attends on scholarship. But when Liv takes a swing at an opposing player who makes a homophobic remark about Liv’s older sister, she and her scholarship are abruptly suspended. Her family’s finances are already strained from her mother’s cancer treatments, so Liv enrolls at the local public high school (also the alma mater of the girl she socked and several rival players who aren’t anxious to have Liv on their team). There, she is unexpectedly recruited by handsome Grey, injured star quarterback and son of the school’s softball coach, to join the football team. Liv jumps at the opportunity, hoping to curry favor and place on the softball team. Determined and talented as a quarterback, Liv steals both Grey’s starting spot and his heart. Henning offers a fun romance twined with a fast-paced sports story, and a headstrong protagonist who is easy to champion. Liv’s relationship with Grey is the perfect mix of heat and heart, and her acceptance by the all-male football team, refreshingly easy. There is little doubt where the story is headed, but drama both on- and off-the-field propel this feel-good underdog story about a girl who refuses to quit. Ages 12–up. [em]Agent: Whitney Ross, Irene Goodman Literary Agency. (Jan.) [/em]