Beyond the Lines

Kids Like You #2

by Claudia Whitsitt

The Dream Girls—Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly Jo—are back with the same determination and resolve they displayed in Between the Lines.

This time, it's Crackers who has a dream. She has oodles of talent, can outshoot any guy, and she wants to be the first girl on the boys' basketball team. Everybody knows she's the best player at school.

The problem is, the rules say: No girls allowed on the team. Ever.
But the Dream Girls have challenged old-fashioned notions before, and they're not about to give up now. Beverly Jo rocks the world with an ingenious plan, Hattie sets the wheels in motion, and Crackers gives her all. For this threesome, nothing is impossible.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2016

About the author

I’m the oldest of six children and the only girl. Northwest Detroit, at that time a thriving metropolis and desirable address, was my childhood home. I attended parochial schools and loved learning from the very start. A voracious reader, one of my fondest memories is keeping the hall light burning in hopes of stealing a few extra minutes of reading time each night. When my mom got wise to my tricks and closed my bedroom door, I snuck a flashlight from my dad’s toolbox, kept it hidden under my bed and replaced the batteries more than once. That single beam came in handy on many late nights with Nancy Drew.

Graduating from St. Mary of Redford high school in 1970, I attended Eastern Michigan University. After receiving my degree, I became a Special Education teacher. Early on I realized that teaching was my new “school." I learned so very much from my students and their families about hope in the face of despair, about the hidden talents each of us possess, and about how simple acts of humanity can touch and enrich lives.

I have always loved writing whether composing an educational report, a letter to one of my children, or a simple poem. My initial inspiration to write a novel came while I worked as a Special Education teacher and became involved in a mystery surrounding one of my students. As all writers do, I began playing “what if” and started putting ideas down on paper.

Since penning my first novel, Identity Issues, I am consumed with learning more about my newly discovered passion. A newbie at my first writer’s conference a few years back, I asked the question, “How do I become a better writer?” The editor, my newly adopted fairy godmother, spoke wisely. “Write some more.”

Since that time, I have written two more installments in The Samantha Series, Intimacy Issues and Internal Issues.

I've also recently released The Wrong Guy, a new adult romantic mystery loosely based on the Co-Ed killings of the late '60s.

Later in 2014, I will be releasing a stand alone work of contemporary fiction, Two of Me, and a middle grades historical fiction novel, Between the Lines.

Reviews

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about friendship, which goes beyond boundaries, and the miracle of working together and never giving up.

I didn't read the first book in this series, but it isn't really necessary. The first chapter dives right into the colorful personalities of the three girls and makes it clear that they are a trio which can't be ignored. The support they offer each other is simply inspiring and shows that with cleverness, perseverance and patience, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. Even for a group of ten-year-olds.

This is a book which will inspire middle graders and show them that they can make a difference. The plot moves along at a steady pace, never leaving moments of boredom. Especially the dialogue and character interaction draws in, and leaves these three girls feeling as if they were the reader's friends. The theme of sports is refreshing as well as the slightly historic setting. And of course, there's tons of girl power.

Summed up, middle graders will have no trouble sympathizing with this trio and are sure to enjoy their adventures.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tom Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second entry in the Dream Girls series finds no lack of adventure. Great characters, superlative writing and the sense of being dropped into the mist of a Dream Girls meeting makes "Beyond The Lines" a wonderful book. Beverly Jo shows genius knows no boundary, Crackers gets to the pro ranks and Hattie learns a new language.

Go for the ride and help make the changes the world needs; certainly the world of The Dream Girls. Highly recommended.

SPOILER: Somebody gets kissed...

[Oh My Bookness · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is full of adventure and shows that there is no bond stronger than true friendship's. These three friends stand by eachother through the good, the bad, the toughest of times to the fun times. This book gives a brief look into the era, the time of the 60's. The book also show cases strong friendships and standing up for what you believe in as well as the right to be treated as equals.

This is a wonderful book to be read by middle school aged youth and even high school age. This book showcases the strenghth of an individual and the right to fight for your rights. Also showcases standing up for what you believe in and shows that discrimination happens in many forms. And as we follow these three friends we see the best way to combat discrimination is standing strong and not letting anyone making you feel less than you are.

[Angelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dream girls are back!! Hattie, Beverly, and Crackers are finding new ways to shake up their town and school. These kids are amazing and together they are a force to reckon with. In this story Crackers is determined to show the adults that girls can do anything boys can do.
This is a well written story of love and friendship great for middle school kids and adults. I can't wait to find out what the girls will be up to next.