The Sweet Spot
Published on 5. May 2026
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-1-68263-774-6 (ISBN)
Description
A home run of a novel about baseball and belonging, from the acclaimed author of Half Moon Summer.
Twelve-year-old Trip's summer to-do list has exactly one thing on it: win the local Little League championship. But then Dad unexpectedly deploys overseas just before the season starts. And Sam (short for Samantha) joins the team, which changes more than just the line-up.
Suddenly nothing feels right at home or on the field—the two places he's always belonged.
The season isn't what he imagined, but Trip sticks with it. Until news about Dad leaves him convinced that he has to choose between family and baseball. Feeling more unsure than ever about who he's supposed to be and where he belongs, Trip makes an impossible decision. But what if he doesn't need to choose at all?
Fast-paced and player-focused, The Sweet Spot highlights the challenges of being a passionate athlete and a compassionate person at the same time.
Twelve-year-old Trip's summer to-do list has exactly one thing on it: win the local Little League championship. But then Dad unexpectedly deploys overseas just before the season starts. And Sam (short for Samantha) joins the team, which changes more than just the line-up.
Suddenly nothing feels right at home or on the field—the two places he's always belonged.
The season isn't what he imagined, but Trip sticks with it. Until news about Dad leaves him convinced that he has to choose between family and baseball. Feeling more unsure than ever about who he's supposed to be and where he belongs, Trip makes an impossible decision. But what if he doesn't need to choose at all?
Fast-paced and player-focused, The Sweet Spot highlights the challenges of being a passionate athlete and a compassionate person at the same time.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Atlanta, GA
United States
Publishing group
Peachtree Publishers,U.S.
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Third Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 206 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
363 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-68263-774-6 (9781682637746)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Elaine Vickers is an award-winning author of picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels that aim to help readers of all ages find connection and belonging, including Half Moon Summer. She grew up in a small town in the Utah desert, where she spent her time reading, exploring, and playing sports—including one season of T-ball. Several years and one PhD later, she found her way back to her hometown, where she now spends her time writing, exploring with her family, and teaching college chemistry.