Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!
by Sarah Kapit (Author)
In this perfectly pitched novel-in-letters, autistic eleven-year-old Vivy Cohen won't let anything stop her from playing baseball--not when she has a major-league star as her pen pal.
Vivy Cohen is determined. She's had enough of playing catch in the park. She's ready to pitch for a real baseball team. But Vivy's mom is worried about Vivy being the only girl on the team, and the only autistic kid. She wants Vivy to forget about pitching, but Vivy won't give up. When her social skills teacher makes her write a letter to someone, Vivy knows exactly who to choose: her hero, Major League pitcher VJ Capello. Then two amazing things happen: A coach sees Vivy's amazing knuckleball and invites her to join his team. And VJ starts writing back! Now Vivy is a full-fledged pitcher, with a catcher as a new best friend and a steady stream of advice from VJ. But when a big accident puts her back on the bench, Vivy has to fight to stay on the team.
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For readers who love baseball and heartwarming realistic fiction, this new title from Kapit is a standout. Vivy is a girl with a passion for baseball; she wants to be a pitcher more than anything else. Her life changes when a baseball coach scouts her at the park playing with her brother. But Vivy's mother is concerned about her joining the team, mainly because she will be the only child with autism and the only girl. When Vivy's social skills teacher makes her write a letter to someone, she chooses major league pitcher VJ Capello. Vivy and VJ correspond about everything and form a friendship that they both grow to need. Vivy is a heartwarming protagonist; her daily routines, struggles, and wishes will resonate with young readers who will be rooting for her from the first page. Kapit's portrayal of a girl with autism and a love for baseball feels authentic. The unique storytelling format of letters and emails will have even the most reluctant of readers turning the pages quickly. VERDICT A baseball story with heart for young readers of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. This is a must-have title for elementary and middle school libraries where realistic fiction is popular.—Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, IL
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Sarah Kapit lives in Seattle with her husband and their goofy orange cat, and is the author of Get A Grip, Vivy Cohen!, The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family, and Second Chance Summer. She earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Los Angeles, and she's always happy to talk about the history of women, medicine, and any other history geek topic. She has a longstanding involvement in the disability rights and neurodiversity movements, and serves as chairperson of the Association for Autistic Community.
Genevieve Kote is a French Canadian illustrator and comic book artist based in Montreal. She loves bringing characters' and animals' adventures to life. In her free time she can be found reading novels, baking or exploring the city and other parts of the world. She shares her studio with her cat, Clara, and many plants.JUV039150 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Special Needs
JUV032010 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Baseball
Family life
Baseball
Letters
Autism
Baseball stories
Pen pals
