LUPE THROWS LIKE A GIRL

A Latina teen with a killer pitch faces ghosts both literal and figurative in this blend of sports fiction and magical realism from Ferguson.

Lupe Lopez has one goal: become the first in her family to graduate high school and earn a softball scholarship. But with graduation slipping through her fingers, she takes on volunteer work at a retirement home to boost her credits toward graduation. Here she meets Mr. Ramirez, a spirited former baseball coach whose wisdom goes well beyond the sport. Their unlikely friendship deepens when Lupe encounters the ghost of former baseball all-star Roberto Clemente, uncovering a supernatural mystery that challenges everything she thought she knew about the game, herself, and her community. Caught between cultural expectations, academic pressure, and her own dreams, Lupe must find the courage to define success on her own terms. The author’s concept is undeniably clever even if it follows familiar beats; it celebrates Latina culture with heart, humor, and an earnest sense of purpose. The story thoughtfully reflects on the progress Latinx athletes have made, honoring trailblazers like the legendary Clemente, while highlighting the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by young Latinas. This blend of cultural pride and personal struggle gives the narrative both depth and resonance. Ferguson, best known for her YA fiction centered on gritty, heartfelt Latina protagonists, brings her trademark authenticity and insight to this novel. She explores layered themes of identity, cultural heritage, empowerment, and social justice, often placing her protagonist at the intersection of personal ambition and community expectations. Lupe feels fully realized as she navigates challenges on the field, in the locker room, and within her own family. The narrative will no doubt resonate with readers facing similar struggles, offering both relatability and inspiration.

A warm, sharply observed coming-of-age story with a strong Latina at its center.