Beanball

A parent might reach for this book when their athletic teen has suffered a serious injury or setback that challenges their sense of self. It speaks directly to the experience of having a core part of one's identity suddenly taken away. The novel, written in verse, tells the story of Luke, a high-school baseball star whose future is shattered when a pitch permanently damages his vision. It powerfully explores themes of grief, anger, and the difficult process of rebuilding an identity. Appropriate for ages 12 to 15, 'Beanball' offers a realistic, accessible, and ultimately hopeful model for navigating profound loss and finding new purpose.