A review by jasarahines
The Girl, The Ring, and the Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank you NetGalley and Levine Querido for this ALC. This novel is timely, diverse, and literally and figuratively magical. The novel incorporates magic realism to illumniate themes of loss, acceptance, friendship, family, and the pervasive nature of race and funding in education. Young adults will navigate towards Caro, Zeke, and Rosie, and their quest to uncover the secret behind their mother's past, and Rosie's missing application money. I was taken with the poetic language and magical items in this novel. These tailsmans help each character realize who they are, and what they need. It was a wonderful story, that young readers will love.