Allie loves baseball. It's the one thing that has been consistent in her lately complicated life. Allie's father left recently, and now Allie has a new family -- her mother's new girlfriend, Phyllis, and son Miles have moved in. It's taking some adjustment, mostly because Miles seems determined to get under her skin. Things start looking up when Allie gets invited to join the boy's baseball team as their new pitcher. But then Miles announces he's quitting the boy's team and tries out for Allie's old team -- a girl's team!
Allie is sure he's doing it just to annoy her, but Miles insists that he just likes the girl's style of play better. As Allie struggles to find her place on the boy's team, she starts to see that Miles is just trying to fit in as well, and that it may be even harder for him than it has been for her.
SARA CASSIDY teaches creative writing at Camosun College and is the director of the Victoria Writers Festival. She has published two previous novels for teens as well as dozens of newspaper and magazine articles and short stories. She lives in Victoria, BC, with her family.
"Told in news clippings and text messages in addition to prose, this engaging, charming piece will ask reluctant readers challenging questions beyond the usual Title IX conversation, and thats a home run."
"The storyline in this book is best suited to an audience of tween girls. There is a touch of romance between the main character, Allie, and one of her new teammates, Eric. They bond over their interests in baseball and slugs. Although there is a lot of baseball game narration in the book. . . young readers may enjoy the discussions on double standards and sportsmanship, plus the unpredictable ending." Recommended
"Double Play is a quick, light story that has an easy flow for weaker readers."