middle school athletes

"Alexandra, also known as Al, has been playing baseball with her older brothers for as long as she can remember. But when she ages out of Little League, it seems like it's the end of the road for Al and the sport she loves. Until, that is, her friend Sammy suggests that Al try out for the middle school team--a team that has always been boys-only. Al is prepared to fight for her right to try out, but to her surprise, the coach is delighted by her interest. When Al makes the team, it seems like everything is going to work out. But with a tenth consecutive championship on the line for Brinkley Middle School and a team that can't seem to get along, will their season ground out faster than Al can say 'home run'?"--From the publisher's web site.

Thirteen-year-old Alexandra "Al" Olsen, a seventh grader at Brinkley Middle School, tries out for the boys' baseball team at her school. The new coach welcomes Al and her skills to the team alongside her nonbinary friend, Julian Veras. However, when Al is interviewed on local television for being the first girl on Brinkley's team, it leads to problems with her teammates. The team will have to solve their problems and join together if they want to defend their championship title.

"It's warm up time in this newest installment in the Brinkley Yearbook series. Will Alexandra make the cut and help the historically boys baseball team defend their 9-year championship title? Alexandra, also known as Al, has been playing baseball with her older brothers for as long as she can remember. But when she ages out of Little League, it seems like it's the end of the road for Al and the sport she loves. Until, that is, her friend Sammy suggests that Al try out for the middle school team -- a team that has always been boys-only. Al is prepared to fight for her right to try out, but to her surprise, the coach is delighted by her interest. When Al makes the team, it seems like everything is going to work out. But with a tenth consecutive championship on the line for Brinkley Middle School and a team that can't seem to get along, will their season ground out faster than Al can say "home run"?"--.

"Carmen is a 12-year-old star striker for the Blue Dragons A Team, but when her best friend Destiny abandons the team to try theater, the Dragons need a new goalkeeper, stat. Carmen quickly learns her new position as keeper, but she struggles to deal with the changes in her friendship with Destiny. Plus, there's one shot she just can't seem to stop. Now, the league championship has gone to a shootout, and of course the other team's best striker has the last kick. Can Carmen save both her team's championship dreams and her most important friendship?"--Amazon.

"Easton is an 11-year-old hockey sensation, but he's struggled with the sudden success of fellow winger and best friend Shawn. Now, it's the last shift in triple-overtime at the state championship, and the team has one play to avoid a shootout. The coach's play has Easton taking the shot, but sometimes you have to think on your skates after the puck hits the ice. Will Easton go for his own glory, or will he swallow his pride and do what's best for his team, and his friend?"--Amazon.

"Aaron is a 12-year-old baseball phenom, but only when he's playing in the field. At the plate, he struggles. Now, it's the last inning of the last game of the season, and Aaron's in the batter's box, down by one with the bases loaded. Just as he steps up to the plate, Aaron spots his superstar-athlete older brother, Will, who completely abandoned him at the worst possible time. Can Aaron come through in the clutch when his team needs him most, and will his brother come through for him and their family?"--Amazon.

"What looked to be a football season to remember for Cameron quickly turns to disaster. Set to take over as quarterback for the pass-happy Northwood Middle School Lumberjacks, things change just days before the first practice when internet sensation Trish joins the team. Cameron goes from starting quarterback to backup--and nearly ends up quitting. With some inspiration from his father, Cameron finds joy in his newfound role--but not without some bumps and bruises along the way. Will his commitment pay off?"--Amazon.

Starting the basketball season after their football championship, Ben and his crew are challenged by newcomer Chase, whose point guard abilities outstrip Ben's and who attracts Lily's attention while Ben is busy practicing.