Three Strike Summer

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a sense of unfairness or feels like their voice is being drowned out by circumstances beyond their control. It is a powerful tool for children who need to see that even when life feels like a series of strikes, they still have the power to step up to the plate. Set during the Great Dust Bowl, the story follows Gloria Mae Willard as her family loses their farm and travels to California to work as migrant pickers. Amidst the harsh reality of labor camps and corporate greed, Gloria remains laser focused on her dream of playing on the local boys baseball team. This is a story about the grit required to maintain hope and the courage to stand up against systemic injustice. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are ready to engage with themes of financial hardship and social activism through the relatable lens of sports and family loyalty. Parents will appreciate how it balances the heavy historical reality of the Depression with a spunky, defiant protagonist who refuses to be sidelined.