"Filled with heart, this tale brings to life outspoken and determined Maria, her love for baseball, and her multicultural community and their challenges and triumphs. A loving look at a slice of American life new to children's books." -- Kirkus Reviews "This historical sports story will appeal to many elementary-aged students and provides a rich basis for a discussion of prejudice and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs." -- School Library Journal "A testament to the power of family, identity, faith and one girl's strong drive for fairness. At the same time, it also shows us how difficult it is to evoke change, especially in the face of the twin forces of racism and sexism. Readers will see in Maria a hero, not only for her own time, but for all time." -- Newbery Honor Winner Kathi Appelt, author of The Underneath "This timely, important, superb novel made me cry, laugh out loud, and burn with anger at injustice. A must-read for youngsters and adults alike.

" -- Anjali Banerjee, author of Maya Running , Looking for Bapu and Seaglass Summer "A refreshingly different WWII story for middle-grade readers, with a empowering protagonist at its heart." -- Booklist Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature 2017-2018 - Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Amelia Bloomer Book List - American Library Association (ALA) CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Freeman Book Award for East and Southeast Asian Children's Literature - National Consortium for Teaching About Asia United Women in Faith Reading Program - United Methodist Women.