Coming Up Short

A heartfelt novel about a softball-loving girl coming to terms with her parentsÆ humanity after a scandal sends shock waves through her townBeaÆs parents think she can accomplish absolutely anythingùand sheÆs determined to prove them right. But at the end of seventh grade, on the same day she makes a gutsy play to send her softball team to the league championships and Xander, the boy she likes, makes it clear that he likes her too, a scandal shakes up her world. BeaÆs dad made a big mistake, taking money that belonged to a client. HeÆs now suspended from practicing law, and another lawyer spread the news online. To make matters worse, that other lawyer is XanderÆs dad.Bea doesnÆt want to be angry with her dad, especially since he feels terrible and is trying to make things right. But she can't face the looks of pity from all her friends, and then she starts missing throws in softball because sheÆs stuck in her own head. The thing she was best at seems to be slipping out of her fingers along with her formerly