Home Base

In this empowering picture book perfect for young feminists, a gutsy baseball-playing girl and her bricklaying mom celebrate when love and hard work triumph over nerves.

A young pitcher steps up to the plate.

A hardworking mom interviews for her biggest job yet.

Girls and women aren't always welcome in the worlds of baseball and bricklaying. But with practice, the right gear, and a whole lot of determination, this intrepid mom and daughter thrive under pressure. Readers get to see their parallel narratives unfold in tandem, coming together at the end for a sweet reward: ice cream!

With fun, punchy writing and radiant illustrations, this touching story will be a hit for budding activists, kids who love sports, and the moms who cheer them on.

 
An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
A Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Book

Nikki Tate was born in Birmingham, England, and spent her childhood roaming the globe. She is the author of more than three dozen books for children. Over the years, she's worked as a book reviewer, a bookseller, a professional storyteller, and a farmer. Nikki's home base is in the Rocky Mountains, but she loves to travel, particularly if she can find a rock to climb or an ocean to sail.

Katie Kath graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with an MFA in illustration. Some of the books she's illustrated for children include the Nora Notebooks series, by Claudia Mills. Her books have been recognized by folks like the Bank Street College of Education, the New York Public Library, the Children's Book Council, and the Junior Library Guild. Katie's home base is in North Carolina, where she plays with her dog and cat, draws cartoons, and counts the days until Christmas.