Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning is an uplifting story about self-discovery, family, and sportsmanship. As a big fan of books about sports, I loved the direction this one takes as the main character joins the school football team as an opportunity to redeem herself, and Liv is a compelling and likeable narrator. This one also contains heartwarming family dynamics, giving it the perfect mix of feel-good moments and drama that I was looking for.
Title: Throw Like a GirlAuthor: Sarah Henning
Also by this author: Sea Witch
Publisher: Poppy
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Rating:
Friday Night Lights meets Morgan Matson's The Unexpected Everything in this contemporary debut where swoonworthy romance meets underdog sports story.
When softball star Liv Rodinsky throws one ill-advised punch during the most important game of the year, she loses her scholarship to her fancy private school, her boyfriend, and her teammates all in one fell swoop. With no other options, Liv is forced to transfer to the nearest public school, Northland, where she'll have to convince its coach she deserves a spot on the softball team, all while facing both her ex and the teammates of the girl she punched... Every. Single. Day.
Enter Grey, the injured star quarterback with amazing hair and a foolproof plan: if Liv joins the football team as his temporary replacement, he'll make sure she gets a spot on the softball team in the spring. But it will take more than just a flawless spiral for Liv to find acceptance in Northland's halls, and behind that charismatic smile, Grey may not be so perfect after all.
With lovable characters and a charming quarterback love interest, Throw Like a Girl will have readers swooning from the very first page.
Review: Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning
After letting a rival get under her skin and throwing a punch during the most important game of the year, Liv finds herself kicked off the softball team and without a scholarship to her expensive private school. Forced to transfer to public school, Liv must first prove herself as a team player before the school’s softball coach will allow her to join the team. When she meet Grey, the school’s quarterback who is recovering from an injury, she agrees to join the football team as a backup quarterback, and in exchange, he’ll put in a good word with his mom, the softball team coach.
❀ Strong Main Character
I loved Liv’s character and the way she approaches each of the challenges she faces. While her actions during the game have serious consequences, she is willing to do whatever it takes to prove herself, and I admired her willingness to take on a new sport. As the only woman on the football team, I was pleasantly surprised to see Liv’s teammates respect her skills. This was a refreshing twist on what I was expecting from a story like this, and I loved the emphasis on Liv’s hard work and willingness to learn from her mistakes over conflict within her team.
❀ Heartwarming Family Dynamics
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the family dynamics. Liv is fiercely protective of the people she loves, and there are so many touching scenes throughout the book of her supportive family. They face challenges such as grappling with Liv’s mom’s cancer diagnosis, but their love for each other is clear and so heartwarming to read about.
❀ An Entertaining Story
Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning is an entertaining story that brings on the girl power. I loved the main character’s determination, and her family’s love was a highlight for me. This is an uplifting read that is perfect for sports fans, and for those who are looking for a sweet contemporary.
About Sarah Henning
Sarah Henning is a recovering journalist who has worked for the Palm Beach Post, Kansas City Star and Associated Press, among others. While in South Florida, Sarah lived and worked through five hurricanes, which gave her an extreme respect for the ocean. When not writing, she runs ultramarathons, hits the playground with her two kids and hangs out with her husband Justin, who doubles as her long-suffering IT department. Sarah lives in Lawrence, Kansas, which, despite being extremely far from the beach, happens to be pretty cool.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Great review, Olivia! Love me some girl power and there need to be more books with it in it.
Right?! I love these types of books! 🙂
I loooved this one! Such a great story.
It sure is! 🙂
YAY!!! I loved this book and it made me happy to read your review for it. Did you read It’s All in How You Fall yet? I can’t remember. You’ll see these characters for a minute in that one, too. I do have one complaint — I’m not a fan of this new cover. I liked the old one better. Great review!
I did and I loved that aspect of it. The cover definitely looked better before! I don’t know why they changed it up! 🙂
I think trying to make it look more like her newest book since they’re related.
We really enjoyed Throw Like a Girl and the representation of girls in sports. Thanks for sharing your review!
Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
This sounds like a really excellent read and would be perfect for my nieces!
I hope that they love it if they give it a try! 🙂
Thanks for the great review. The book soounds like an interesting read. Fun cover!
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
This is one I have wanted to read. Glad to hear it was good! I need to get a copy for my school library. Great review!
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this looks and sounds so cute
thank you for your review. this sounds like a great book for teens