Fast Pitch
on Goodreads (2,783)
What’s inside...
From Nic Stone, the New York Times bestselling author of Clean Getaway, comes a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Shenice Lockwood, a softball player determined to prove herself. As team captain, Shenice aims to lead her team to victory at the Fastpitch World Series and win the $10,000 prize. Along the way, she faces challenges as one of the few brown faces on the field and seeks to uncover the truth about a family crime that shakes her focus. The novel seamlessly integrates the history of the Negro Leagues with the story of a contemporary Black tween looking to make her mark.
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Shenice Lockwood
Angel
Uncle Jack
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Shenice to be such a dedicated team captain?
How do you feel about the way Shenice handles challenges and setbacks in the game?
Can you relate to any of the characters? How do their experiences reflect your own in any way?
Why is teamwork important, and how did it play a role in this story?
What did you learn about integrity and honesty from Shenice’s journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own impressions of the book and encourage your child to explore their feelings about the story.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and why they liked them, which can lead to deeper discussions about the character's qualities and choices.
Discuss real-life examples of teamwork and honesty, linking them to the scenarios in the book to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage your child to think about how they might react in similar situations to those presented in the book, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their opinions and interpretations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Fast Pitch,' the protagonist works closely with her softball team to overcome challenges, showing how teamwork leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with peers during group activities at school or in sports, understanding that collective effort often yields better results.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: The main character faces numerous obstacles but remains determined to succeed, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in their endeavors, be it academic tasks or personal goals, despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Value of integrity
Explanation: Key moments in the story highlight the protagonist's choice to act with honesty, even when she could have taken easier, less ethical routes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of making honest choices and builds their moral character in real-life situations, like exams or friendships.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and heritage
Explanation: The protagonist uncovers significant historical facts related to her family and community, sparking a respect for heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and appreciate their own family history and the diverse cultures around them, fostering a sense of identity and respect for others.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist grows more confident in her abilities, which is pivotal in her personal and team victories.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to believe in themselves and their capabilities, which is crucial for personal development and facing life's challenges.