Lupe Throws Like A Girl

Teens

synopsis

Synopsis

Lupe Lopez has a big dream - to be the first in her family to graduate high school and earn a softball scholarship. But when she and her best friend Penny discover they're short on required community service hours, Lupe's college dreams are in jeopardy. Reluctantly, Lupe volunteers at the Villa Santa Barbara retirement home. There she meets Mr. Ramirez, a baseball fanatic who introduces her to the ghost of Hall of Famer, Roberto Clemente and teaches Lupe about empathy and the importance of community. At the same time, Lupe's softball team is on a losing streak, putting their chances of earning scholarships at risk. The pressure builds as Lupe also struggles to support her brother after an accident. Throughout this coming-of-age story set in 1990's Santa Barbara, Lupe grapples with her identity as a Latina athlete and the expectations placed on her both on and off the field. With memorable characters and themes of family, friendship, and perseverance, Lupe Throws Like a Girl is a heartwarming young adult novel that reminds us of the power of sports to unite people. If you love stories of self-discovery, the bonds of community, and the challenges faced by young women in sports, you'll be captivated by Lupe's journey. Join her as she learns the true meaning of strength, empathy, and achieving one's dreams against all odds.

bio

Author Biography

Dr. Perez Ferguson is a cross-cultural educator and consultant. Her fiction brings to life the voices of California inhabitants living 200 years ago. She has twice won the Best YA Fiction Award from the San Francisco Writers Conference, 2021 and 2022.

Regarding Broken Promises:

"The tightly wound plot flows effortlessly from one moment to the next.... readers will find themselves inspired by the future Sparrow creates for herself and those around her." — Kirkus Reviews

Her non-fiction promotes the voices of under-represented communities in the twenty-first century. This earned her the 2014 Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. She is an Advisor and Former Chair for the InterAmerican Foundation and a former Visiting Lecturer for the Council for Independent Colleges. She enjoys living and writing on the Pacific coast.

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Author Insight

Failing & Depressed

The excerpt I selected to share from Lupe Throws Like A Girl is practically at the end of the book. It's not a spoiler, don't worry, something good is about to happen. But it does demonstrate the old saying, the night is most dark just before the dawn. In the middle of a dark night, it does not feel like the light will ever come again. Lupe is sharing her regrets with her pet turtle, a being that is always hiding in the sand and never talks back. Readers relate to this scene and to their need to have someone to hear them at their lowest moments. The softball in the book is fun, and Lupe grows up a lot in each chapter. Try it, you'll like it. And read the sequel, Lupe & Selina Play Through the Storm. I also invite you to follow me at www.anitaperezferguson.substack.com

Book Excerpt

Lupe Throws Like A Girl

“Shelly,” Lupe called out, and she found that her voice was weepy. “Shelly, it’s me. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you lately.” Lupe could see the bump of her tortoise’s shell in the sandbox. “I’m sorry about a lot of things.” Lupe felt a dry lump in her throat. “You know I always wanted to do the right thing, to make Mama proud and be a star ballplayer. Now look at me. I’m no good for anyone, not even you.” Lupe heard David clearing out the car’s trunk in the garage.

“I can’t come and feed you now. I can’t even feed myself. I’m stuck in this chair.” Lupe heard the car trunk slam close. “I’m so sorry.” She heard the car engine start and knew she was running out of time. Beyond the bump in the sand, Shelly’s head popped up and turned slowly toward Lupe’s voice. “You heard me. You understand? I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I’ll make sure someone takes care of you.” Lupe leaned forward in her chair, desperate to make contact with her silent pet.

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Anita Perez Ferguson

Lupe Throws Like A Girl

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Failing & Depressed

Book Excerpt

Lupe Throws Like A Girl

Comment on this Bubble