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“Dazzling.”

—Booklist, Starred Review

“A hilariously great time… A perfect addition to any teen collection.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Skillfully and chaotically represents the ups and downs of high school… a singularly compelling experience for readers.”

—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Gomera-Tavarez offers a fast- paced plot with relatable characters… While the story touches upon various types of trauma and abuse, it does so in a way that can help readers identify tactics for recognizing and processing pain and suffering, especially with the help of loved ones.”

—Horn Book

The Girl, the Ring, & the Baseball Bat

Written by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Published by Levine Querido

Rosie: Capricorn. Does great in class. Wants nothing more than to get into the prestigious Innovation Technical Institute and kiss this awful school goodbye. Her talisman: a magical jacket from her mother’s past that gets people to do whatever she says.

Caro: Leo. Rosie’s older sister. Always been closer to their estranged father – and always butted heads more with their strict mother. A trip to Dominican Republic for her father’s wedding leads her deep into family history that clears up any illusions about her parents she’s ever had. Her talisman: a baseball bat that fixes whatever it breaks.

Zeke: Certified Triple Pisces. Up in cold-ass Jersey City living with his aunt after his grandmother dies and his father moves to London to take care of his mother. He crushes on EVERYone – he knows he’ll find happiness in love, and maybe a way out of this depression. His talisman: a manifestation stone that will make anyone fall in love with him.

Rosie, Caro, and Zeke – and their talismans – find themselves intertwined in a magical, hilarious, and whip-smart Outsiders for the modern day, written by Camille Gomera-Tavarez.

Primary ISBN: 9781646142651
Publication Date: February 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New Jersey, New York), Dominican Republic

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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