Lupe Throws Like A Girl

2026 Literary Global Children's Book Award Winner in Young Adult


“…Lupe encounters the ghost of former baseball all-star Roberto Clemente, uncovering a supernatural mystery that challenges everything she thought she knew about the game, herself, and her community… A warm, sharply observed coming-of-age story with a strong Latina at its center.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This coming-of-age story about a teenager striving for a college sports scholarship—and later for direction in life—surprises with a delightful supernatural mystery.” —The BookLife Prize: Critic’s Report


Lupe Lopez has a big dream—to be the first in her family to graduate high school and earn a softball scholarship, but her graduation is in jeopardy. She volunteers in a retirement home, to earn more class credits, and meets Mr. Ramirez, a baseball fanatic who teaches Lupe about empathy and the importance of community. Their friendship also surprises with the ghost of baseball all-star and a supernatural mystery. Lupe grapples with her identity as a Latina athlete and the expectations placed on her both on and off the field. 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.