Tommi Pockets - by Marsha Hubler (Paperback)

About the Book

Thirteen-year-old Tommi "Pockets" Leland has one goal in life-to be the first female world champion pool player. But in the 1950s, gals were not welcome in poolrooms. With her pop's approval, she disguises herself as a boy to shoot at a local poolroom, where she and her pop are an unbeatable team.

Book Synopsis

(Ashland, Pennsylvania, 1958)

Thirteen-year-old Tommi "Pockets" Leland has one goal in life--to be the first female world champion pool player. But in the 1950s, gals were not welcome in poolrooms. With her pop's approval, she disguises herself as a boy to shoot at a local poolroom, where she and her pop are an unbeatable team.

But Pockets has another secret life that even Pop and Meemaw know nothing about. She runs with the Thorns, a street gang, and during a rumble with the Hawks, the hated rival gang, Pockets is arrested. Instead of being sent to reform school with the other gang members, she must counsel with Salvation Army Captain Arlene Masters, who has a passion to help kids.

Pockets meets her match in fiery "Captain Ar," who shares with Pockets what's really important in life--loving God and loving others.

So, does Pockets listen? Or does she continue in a downward spiral that can only lead to more trouble in her young life and a broken heart?

Review Quotes

Marsha Hubler knows well the dreams, angst, longings and disappointments of young people, personified expertly in Tommi Jo Leland, the protagonist in her new book Tommi Pockets. Through Tommi, the author reaches out to teens who have to cope with a--to say the least--confusing adult world replete with personal failures and broken families. Like the author, The Salvation Army has a heart for children, and Hubler conveys this deftly as she penetrates the heart of a teen with the promise of redemption young people so need to hear. In so doing, we along with Tommi find that life is more than one big hustle.

--Jeff McDonald, Editorial Director, Salvation Army National Publications

Marsha Hubler transports her readers back to the late 1950s to follow the spiritual journey of Tommi Pockets, a teen pool shark who pretends she's a boy to play in a man's world. Cynical, sassy, and troubled, Tommi is drawn to the life of gangs to find the love she craves but can't find at home. Tommi may seem an unlikely Christian model for today's girls, but her journey echoes that of thousands of troubled teens who still roam the streets, end up in juvie, and need a real home. The author shows through this young girl the importance of finding a place to belong in the Body of Christ and the healing grace that comes only from God. This YA novel is a new classic that will change the lives of tweens and teens for years to come.

--Barbara Scott, former acquisitions editor for Zonderkidz, Zondervan YA, and Abington Fiction

In Tommi Pockets, veteran children's novelist Marsha Hubler presents a tale sure to touch young readers. Although set in the simpler times of the late 1950s, the story mirrors today's broken homes and spiritual darkness. No doubt many children who read this compelling story will relate to the dysfunctional Leland family and hear a clear presentation of the gospel for the first time. In answer to the devastation wrought by a society that's largely turned its back on God, Hubler magnificently illustrates Jesus' lifechanging power. Kudos to Hubler on a fine book!

--Dan Brownell, editor Today's Christian Living and Today's Pastor

Marsha Hubler has done it again! Tommi Pockets introduces readers to a lonely young girl, forced to masquerade as a boy. Tommi faces every heartbreaking loss and formidable adventure with steely determination. When her grit is put to the ultimate test, she leans on God--and hopes he'll help her meet her greatest challenge yet. Be careful who you loan this one to because you'll want to get it back to read it again. And again!"

--Loree Lough, bestselling author of 119 award-winning novels, including reader favorites like 50 Hours and A Man of Honor

I rarely read novels. When I was asked to read Tommi Pockets, I was a bit skeptical as to whether or not it would be worthwhile reading. I was pleasantly surprised that it was written in first person like an autobiography. By chapter three I was captivated. The story, involving a troubled young teen as the main character, seems so realistic. The redemptive theme begins with the idea based in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. It concludes with salvation and a struggle for Christian growth and a desire to witness to family members. It was a great read; I can't wait for more!

--Bob Longenecker, Director, Wayne-Pike Child Evangelism Fellowship, Honesdale, PA