The Catcher

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating the sudden end of a friendship or struggling with the pressure of high-stakes extracurriculars. It is particularly helpful for children who feel their identity is tied to a specific partnership or role that has recently changed. The story follows fourteen year old Jade, a dedicated softball catcher, who must find her own voice and leadership when her longtime pitcher and best friend abruptly quits the team. While the setting is sports-focused, the emotional core deals with the confusion of being 'left behind' and the resilience required to rebuild after a setback. It models healthy ways to handle disappointment and the importance of looking beyond the surface of a friend's behavior. Parents will appreciate the realistic portrayal of teen social dynamics and the constructive way it handles team loyalty and personal accountability for ages 10 to 14.