I can't wait to see what she writes next. I'm so delighted to know there are authors like Mozer out there making sure that all kids are represented on the shelves. The Sweet Spot reminds us that even though it isn't easy, one of the best ways to attack adversity is with determination and a positive attitude. It's hard to figure out who and what you're supposed to be with other people throwing aroung ignorant labels, sterotypes and abusive behavior. But there's also a sweet spot in life and it's when EVERY PERSON is in the place where they get to be the best version of themselves. In Mozer's novel, the sweet spot is that place on the baseball bat that's just right-allowing the batter to hit it out of the park. In a world where two former female West Point graduates can kick butt in Ranger School, there is NO REASON why a girl who loves baseball and plays as well (or possibly better than the boys) shouldn't be allowed-EXPECTED- to play. It’s call The Perfect Trip and it tells the story of the rest of Sam’s summer and new obstacles she will face in her baseball career.This is an important book for girls and boys. Our DC Day Camp was the perfect place to learn about Ahavat HaAdamah (loving. Stacy: Book 2 will be coming out from Spellbound River this time next year. The spirit of Jewish growth and inquiry also infused daily life at our day camps. Me: Have you got another book in the pipeline? Stacy: Sam is a composite of girls I’ve had in my class over the years who have fought their way on the playing field with the boys at recess. Me: Is Sam’s character based on a real person, a composite of people, or is she completely fictitious? The expert that I spoke to said it would never work because when she was in high school she convinced a number of her softball friends to try out for baseball. When I was doing research I played around with the idea that Sam was at a camp and forced to play softball so she convinced a bunch of girls to form their own baseball team. And just because you are good at one sport it, doesn’t mean that you are good at the other.

The pitching is different, the fielding is different.

Softball is a great sport, but it isn’t the same as baseball. My favorite movie growing up was Blue Skies Again, a story about a girl who gets on to a minor league team. Stacy: Sam plays baseball because I grew up as a Mets fan and a baseball lover.

Me: Why does your main character want to play baseball? Why not softball?

The Sweet Spot by Stacy Barnett Mozer