Loved Clean Getaway, so had to read this one as soon as I could. This story was so good, having the right amount of friendship, sports, history, activism, and struggle for middle grade readers.

Shenice is a wholesome, relatable character for so many students at my school. Can’t wait to share this title with them!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. It was a lovely mix of sports action, realistic fiction, mystery, and plucky middle grade characters. If you liked Clean Getaway you have to pick this up. It is also a fantastic next read for kiddos who have sped through all of the books in Reynolds' Track series.

Shenice is the captain of her softball team. And this year they have a chance to do something no other team has ever done: be the first all-Black team to make it to the district championships and beyond. As the team's season continues on, Shenice becomes distracted by something her Great-Uncle Jack tells her about her Great-Grandfather JonJon, who was a great baseball player himself and almost become one of the first few black men in the Major Leagues. But, according to Jack, JonJon was framed for a crime he didn't commit and his legacy in baseball was erased. So now Shenice is determined to find out what really happened. But focusing on that means not focusing on her team.

Highly recommend. This is a first purchase for all collections.

I think this is my favorite of Nic Stone's books so far! A nice story with a likable lead character. It did feel like some of the big moments were kind of jumped over in regards to what actually happened with the glove and getting people to believe the truth, but I'm less concerned about that since this is a middle grade book.

Shenice is captain of her fast-pitch softball team, the first all black team in their league. The tournament season is soon, and they could make history if they make it to the district tournament. As her team readies for this tourney, for the first time she meets her great grandfather’s brother, Jack. He tells her his brother was falsely accused of stealing Joe DiMaggio’s glove during a charity auction. He said his brother was framed, and he knows who took it and wants her to find the glove and clear his brother’s name. Can Shenice do it while trying to get her team ready for the district tournament?

This book is so much more than a softball book. I would definitely put this in the hands of my sports fans, but I would also recommend this any student who is looking for a book about social justice. Fast Pitch has all the thrill of the game, but a mystery about family is woven underneath highlighted the social justice element. Nic Stone paints an accurate picture of what today's youth feels when it comes to being judged by the color of their skin, whether white or black. Definitely a book I will buy for my library.

Fast Pitch is the story of Shenice "Lightning" Lockwood, a young softball player on an all-Black team called the Fulton Firebirds. One day her great uncle reveals a family secret - her great grandfather was falsely accused of a crime that ruined his baseball career - and Shenice is sent down a rabbit hole of research to try and clear her great grandfather's name.

I loved the mystery elements and team friendship, and also the length makes it perfect for read alouds! Shenice is funny, empathetic, and determined, and her friends and family are written with such love and care. While not a major plot point, I loved watching a group of racist, sexist boys get their comeuppance when they heckle the Firebirds and are absolutely demolished when challenged to play against them.