Curveball: A Heartwarming Graphic Novel about Friendship, the Power of Imagination, and Following Your Own Path - by Pablo Cartaya (Paperback)

About the Book

"Elena Rueda loves baseball--and is the best player on her team--but recently has stopped having fun, so during a summer spent with her brother's quirky friends she reflects on who she is and maybe learns to love to play again."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Roller Girl meets Cardboard Kingdom in this original, contemporary graphic novel for kids, from the New York Times best-selling and award-winning author of A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation, Pablo Cartaya, in partnership with New York Times best-selling illustrator Miguel Díaz Rivas.

Baseball is Elena Rueda's entire life: She may be the only girl on her team, but she's the best player and everyone knows it. Except . . . Elena has stopped having fun, and it's time to leave the sport behind.

The problem is, Elena has no idea who she is without a bat in her hand. Can a summer spent with her brother's quirky friends in an empty sandlot that offers a world of possibility show Elena who she is--and teach her to love to play again?

"Sure to be a heartwarming hit." --Johnnie Christmas, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Swim Team

Review Quotes

A 2024 ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List Selection
A 2025 Texas Little Mavericks Graphic Novel Reading List Selection

"Curveball is a lively adventure, rounding the corners of fun, family, and friends before diving into the power of imagination. It's sure to be a heartwarming hit."
--Johnnie Christmas, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Swim Team

"Bursting with imagination, Curveball dazzles with great writing and kinetic artwork. I loved it!"
--Raúl the Third, three-time Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator of the World of Vamos books

"A heartfelt story about following your own path while discovering the power of imagination and friendship. Curveball will be a sure hit with readers!"
--Kristin Varner, critically acclaimed author of Horse Trouble

"Curveball drives home the vital message that it's okay to play to win, it's okay to play for fun, and the best games are the ones where you can do both. You will find yourself rooting for this family!"
--Mike Dawson, award-winning author of The Fifth Quarter

"Refreshing . . . A solid story of sports and emotional growth in an unexpected, imaginative package."
--Booklist, starred review

"A moving take on the struggles of growing up surrounded by the pressure to succeed and lacking the opportunity to explore different facets of oneself. [With] vibrant color and kinetic movement, this grounded tale of self-discovery transcends a rote sports narrative."
--Publisher's Weekly

"[Curveball has] something for every reader."
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Pablo Cartaya is an internationally acclaimed author, screenwriter, speaker, and educator. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, NBC, and on Oprah's Booklist. Pablo has worked with Disney, Apple TV+, and Sesame Street on projects adapted from television series and movies. In 2021, he served as a judge for the National Book Award in Young People's Literature and has taught creative writing workshops and spoken at various universities and conferences throughout the world. He calls Miami home and Cuban American his cultura.

Miguel Díaz Rivas is a freelance illustrator from Cabra, Spain, and the New York Times best-selling illustrator of FGTeeV Presents: Into the Game. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Media and Communications and studied illustration and animation at ESDIP in Madrid.