The Girl, the Ring, & the Baseball Bat

This vibrant YA novel introduces Rosie, Caro, and Zeke, three high schoolers whose lives become magically linked. Rosie uses a jacket to get her way, Caro wields a bat that fixes things, and Zeke has a stone to find love. As they navigate ambition, estranged parents, grief, and crushes, the story explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the power of friendship. It's a humorous and poignant look at the 'ups and downs of high school' with a touch of magical realism, perfect for teens exploring their place in the world.

Rosie: Capricorn. Does great in class. Wants nothing more than to get into the prestigious Innovation Technical Institute and kiss this awful school goodbye. Her talisman: a magical jacket from her mother’s past that gets people to do whatever she says. Caro: Leo. Rosie’s older sister. Always been closer to their estranged father – and always butted heads more with their strict mother. A trip to Dominican Republic for her father’s wedding leads her deep into family history that clears up any illusions about her parents she’s ever had. Her talisman: a baseball bat that fixes whatever it breaks. Zeke: Certified Triple Pisces. Up in cold-ass Jersey City living with his aunt after his grandmother dies and his father moves to London to take care of his mother. He crushes on EVERYone – he knows he’ll find happiness in love, and maybe a way out of this depression. His talisman: a manifestation stone that will make anyone fall in love with him. Rosie, Caro, and Zeke – and their talismans – find themselves intertwined in a magical, hilarious, and whip-smart Outsiders for the modern day, written by Camille Gomera-Tavarez, a 2022 Publishers Weekly Flying Start. P R A I S E ★ “A hilariously great time… A perfect addition to any teen collection.” –School Library Journal (starred) ★ “Dazzling.” –Booklist (starred) "A quick read and the characters are especially enjoyable… We all could use friends like this group of teens, and reading how they come together is a nice way to spend an afternoon." –Locus Magazine “Skillfully and chaotically represents the ups and downs of high school… a singularly compelling experience for readers.” –Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books