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Marcus Stroman #1
The Grip
In this first book in the semi-autobiographical middle grade series from MLB pitcher Marcus Stroman, a young baseball player learns that perfect games only come with a lot of practice—and some strikeouts.Young Marcus Stroman is determined to make it to the highest playing level he can, despite every coach telling him he’s not tall enough to become a “real” pitcher. He’ll show them…with some struggling and a whole lot of learning. It’s easy to forget that for every professional sports player there was a kid just learning that sport, dealing with nerves during try-outs, dropping the ball when all their teammates are counting on them, and learning how to stay friends with someone who doesn’t make the team. These hard lessons are universal whether in the majors or on a school playing field, and so are teamwork, competition, and believing in yourself.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
15 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 6, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Young Marcus loves baseball, but his father is a little intense about it. Even though his parents are divorced, his father comes over every morning so that Marcus can practice pitching before breakfast. His parents get along pretty well, and Marcus and his sister Sabria split their time between the two residences. This makes it a little difficult to remember everything that he needs, especially since he is playing baseball AND basketball. While he has some good friends like Danny and Kai on his teams, he also has to deal with James, who is constantly making fun of Marcus for being short. He tries to let James' comments bounce off of him, but as the pressure to make a travel team mounts, and a playing assessment looms, he finds it harder and harder to remain positive. His mother notices, and suggests that he see a therapist. There is a lot of talk about how "mental health coaches" are just as important for health as a doctor or dentist is, and Marcus' mother talks about how seeing a professional helped her when she was stressed about the divorce. Marcus finds the therapist to be helpful, and he even works with James when he realizes that James is facing similar pressures, and the two manage to reach a detente on the field. A second book in the series, The Error, is due out on June 20th, 2023.
Strengths: There should be a lot more collaborations with middle grade writers and sports figures. If the story is a solid one, they have popularity well beyond the sports figure because of the details of the sports information. I realize that publishing is all about making money, so if publishers can cash in on the celebrity, that's okay with me! The details about going back and forth between mom and dad's house are good, and helpful for young readers struggling with the same issue. Marcus and Sabria get along well enough, which is always good to see in a middle grade novel. The issue of playing two sports, and the stress that goes along with that, is well addressed.
Weaknesses: There was a LOT of discussion about therapy and mental health. This is fine, but it got very repetitive and slowed the story down. With young readers, a light touch is best. Including further information about mental health at the end of the book would be more helpful.
What I really think: Like the Barbers' Kick Off (2008), Stoudemire's Home Court, (basketball, 2012) Jeter's The Contract (baseball, 2014), O'Neal's Little Shaq (basketball, 2015), Ripken's various baseball titles, and James' We Are Family (basketball, 2021, with the talented Andrea Williams) this is a good combination of semibiographical information, sports, and realistic middle grade problems. While I would have liked a little more baseball and fewer problems, I mentioned this to a 6th grader who loves baseball, and he was super excited to see something written by Strohman. Since sports books circulate constantly in my library, I will probably purchase, but hope that the next book is a bit heavier on the sports angle.
Young Marcus loves baseball, but his father is a little intense about it. Even though his parents are divorced, his father comes over every morning so that Marcus can practice pitching before breakfast. His parents get along pretty well, and Marcus and his sister Sabria split their time between the two residences. This makes it a little difficult to remember everything that he needs, especially since he is playing baseball AND basketball. While he has some good friends like Danny and Kai on his teams, he also has to deal with James, who is constantly making fun of Marcus for being short. He tries to let James' comments bounce off of him, but as the pressure to make a travel team mounts, and a playing assessment looms, he finds it harder and harder to remain positive. His mother notices, and suggests that he see a therapist. There is a lot of talk about how "mental health coaches" are just as important for health as a doctor or dentist is, and Marcus' mother talks about how seeing a professional helped her when she was stressed about the divorce. Marcus finds the therapist to be helpful, and he even works with James when he realizes that James is facing similar pressures, and the two manage to reach a detente on the field. A second book in the series, The Error, is due out on June 20th, 2023.
Strengths: There should be a lot more collaborations with middle grade writers and sports figures. If the story is a solid one, they have popularity well beyond the sports figure because of the details of the sports information. I realize that publishing is all about making money, so if publishers can cash in on the celebrity, that's okay with me! The details about going back and forth between mom and dad's house are good, and helpful for young readers struggling with the same issue. Marcus and Sabria get along well enough, which is always good to see in a middle grade novel. The issue of playing two sports, and the stress that goes along with that, is well addressed.
Weaknesses: There was a LOT of discussion about therapy and mental health. This is fine, but it got very repetitive and slowed the story down. With young readers, a light touch is best. Including further information about mental health at the end of the book would be more helpful.
What I really think: Like the Barbers' Kick Off (2008), Stoudemire's Home Court, (basketball, 2012) Jeter's The Contract (baseball, 2014), O'Neal's Little Shaq (basketball, 2015), Ripken's various baseball titles, and James' We Are Family (basketball, 2021, with the talented Andrea Williams) this is a good combination of semibiographical information, sports, and realistic middle grade problems. While I would have liked a little more baseball and fewer problems, I mentioned this to a 6th grader who loves baseball, and he was super excited to see something written by Strohman. Since sports books circulate constantly in my library, I will probably purchase, but hope that the next book is a bit heavier on the sports angle.
December 15, 2022
MLB pitcher Marcus Stroman debuts with an almost autobiographical look at the pressures and excitement of playing elite baseball during middle school/junior high years. Sport-playing students will connect with the constant juggling of practices, studying, time with friends and family and the self-doubt that plague even the best players. Authenticity and honesty come through loud and clear as book-Marcus struggles to keep his fears from affecting his play and his relationships with those around him. Ultimately, his mother finds him a counselor/trainer who focuses on helping athletes keep their minds and bodies healthy. Great book for those who love baseball and should also appeal to readers of books that teach lessons on overcoming anxiety. With the #1 on the spine of this one, fans of Stroman’s book can count on follow-ups in the series. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence.
Thanks, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with an arc.
Thanks, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with an arc.
February 11, 2023
Marcus Stroman and co-author Samantha Thornhill teamed up to write a story about a young ball player named Marcus who is a talented player from a young age, and begins to feel the mental pressure this brings.
The book is written for children, but I enjoyed it and if you have a child in sports I imagine you would as well. It brings so many aspects of life into the story. From experiencing the divorce of parents, to being teased because you are short, to just needing a break.
My only complaint - because I really enjoyed this book - is that not until the very last page of the book do we see that there is a co-author. If Mr. Stroman wants to destigmatize mental health issues in children (good thing), then maybe an introspection into acknowledging the woman involved in his first book (no doubt a fairly big role considering her talents in writing) would be in order (equally good thing).
The book is written for children, but I enjoyed it and if you have a child in sports I imagine you would as well. It brings so many aspects of life into the story. From experiencing the divorce of parents, to being teased because you are short, to just needing a break.
My only complaint - because I really enjoyed this book - is that not until the very last page of the book do we see that there is a co-author. If Mr. Stroman wants to destigmatize mental health issues in children (good thing), then maybe an introspection into acknowledging the woman involved in his first book (no doubt a fairly big role considering her talents in writing) would be in order (equally good thing).
March 8, 2023
In this Middle Grade book that reads like an autobiography, Marcus Stroman and co-author Samantha Thornhill team up on a story about a young ball player. Marcus showed talent from a young age, and his father is determined to make that talent pay off. Even though he and mom are divorced, he makes sure Marcus practices every morning. Eventually, Marcus feels overwhelmed by the mental pressure this brings, but his mother finds him a therapist who can help him deal with it.
The book will help children explore what it is like to have parents divorce, being teased for being short, and the need to just be a kid. It is not a fast paced or exciting book, and the plot has no real surprises, but kids who have aspirations for the big league will find an affinity with Marcus and will appreciate knowing that even Golden Glove winners were kids once.
The book will help children explore what it is like to have parents divorce, being teased for being short, and the need to just be a kid. It is not a fast paced or exciting book, and the plot has no real surprises, but kids who have aspirations for the big league will find an affinity with Marcus and will appreciate knowing that even Golden Glove winners were kids once.
February 17, 2023
I like this book because it shows a kid who is short and having problems with a mean kid, for being to short. Later in the book he gets help and shows he is strong enough. But will he succeed.?!
April 10, 2023
Addresses a lot of issues kids face today, whether it is split families or pressure to succeed, and has a good message for the reader.
August 16, 2023
Listened to this one with my four year old son and we really enjoyed it. A very inspiring reminder of how to work hard and push through mental and emotional sport psychology.
June 27, 2023
4.5 A very refreshing realistic fiction baseball story. The pressures on an extremely talented young baseball player make him doubt his own skills. Is he as good as his dad and others think he is? Can he believe in himself enough to quiet the negative thoughts in his head?
I loved the very open talk of mental wellness, therapy, ignoring negativity coming from within and from outside sources. Teamwork, friendship, hard work, believing in yourself, family, and divorce are all tackled with sensitivity and age appropriateness.
Any baseball or sports fan would enjoy this story.
This is loosely based on the authors own journey to his MLB career. And the dedication page is just beautiful.
“I can’t help you not worry, but I can help you with some tools so that when you feel worried, you know how to handle it, and you know how to not let worry prevent you from performing well.”
“Everyone is on a team because they can contribute something, right? So they have worth. You can respect what they’re bringing, even if you don’t like the way they bring it.”
I loved the very open talk of mental wellness, therapy, ignoring negativity coming from within and from outside sources. Teamwork, friendship, hard work, believing in yourself, family, and divorce are all tackled with sensitivity and age appropriateness.
Any baseball or sports fan would enjoy this story.
This is loosely based on the authors own journey to his MLB career. And the dedication page is just beautiful.
“I can’t help you not worry, but I can help you with some tools so that when you feel worried, you know how to handle it, and you know how to not let worry prevent you from performing well.”
“Everyone is on a team because they can contribute something, right? So they have worth. You can respect what they’re bringing, even if you don’t like the way they bring it.”
January 2, 2023
Thank you Aladdin and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advanced review copy of this wonderful book. This is a middle grade semi-autobiographical novel that would appeal to baseball fans anywhere. The topics of divorce, dealing with anxiety, and hard work ethic are discussed. Great writing and believable characters makes this a wonderful read. Would definitely recommend to my students.
February 17, 2023
We just listened to The Grip on a short road trip and it was such a great choice. With three young travel soccer players in our house, we are no strangers to tough practices, stressful tryouts, and team bullies just like Marcus in this story with baseball. Marcus’s story is so relatable. But the best part of this story is that they expose the psychological side of playing sports which is so huge. Great book for any young athletes!
April 19, 2023
I would have liked some more baseball action, but what this lacks in play-by-play, it makes up for with a welcome conversation about mental health in sports. As a Mets fan, I am biased because I always liked Marcus Stroman as a pitcher, but his resolve as a shorter athlete is an impressive feat, and his work ethic and mental stamina shine through for young athletes to use as an inspirational guide. A great choice as baseball season is kicking off!
March 23, 2023
We loved reading this as a family and are excited Marcus was named the Opening Day pitcher for the Cubs this year (2023)! Great read about the importance of believing in yourself and taking care of your mental health!
April 16, 2023
Told from the point of view of a young, aspiring baseball pitcher, this was an account of his struggles with self-doubt and motivation. It seemed believable and supported good values of hard work, positive thinking, and teamwork.
February 7, 2023
Not terribly exciting but very pro mental health. Good messages about asking for help when feeling overwhelmed.
March 12, 2023
3.5 it was a great book focusing on overcoming our own thoughts and the negative words of others towards us.
April 22, 2023
Spring is for baseball! Young people will love the first book in a new series based on MLB All-Star, Marcus Stroman’s experiences!
April 27, 2023
This book talks about Marcus’s struggles and I loved it.
June 11, 2023
A great story about believing in yourself, self doubt, and how important positive mental is, even as an athlete.
June 25, 2023
Practice practice practice if you want something. Excellent messages.
October 24, 2023
What worked:
I happen to enjoy baseball more than most people so this book is right up my alley. Young readers currently growing up in the life of organized sports can relate to Marcus’s strict schedule to balance all areas of his life. He loves baseball and enjoys basketball so much of the plot finds him at different camps most days focusing on those two sports. A large part of the story deals with the increasing competitiveness of select teams in youth sports and the complications of playing two sports. The baseball coach informs the players of an upcoming assessment (they all know it’s a tryout) that will affect who gets to play on the team in the spring. The stress Marcus feels becomes a major focus in the plot.
A related problem for Marcus is his fragile self-image regarding his physical size. The book doesn’t say he’s actually small but Marcus’s perception is that larger players make better pitchers. Kids go through growth spurts in the middle grades and Marcus notices others are already a head taller than him. Marcus laments that he isn’t growing fast enough and fears that will keep him from becoming a great player. The middle grades find all students self-conscious of their physical appearances so it’s a relatable topic for them.
With Marcus’s stress level amping up, the author presents emotional support from a variety of sources. They try to remind him of breathing exercises, visualization, and keeping things in perspective. Obviously, his parents share their confidence in him and tell Marcus he only needs to do his best. His coaches try to get him to settle down when they notice him struggling. His two closest friends are always there for him and try to give his life some balance. Even his older sister shares her empathy for Marcus and reminds him of their imaginary world of Namorts. While everyone else has confidence in Marcus, the only person who matters is himself.
What didn’t work as well:
There’s really no relief from Marcus’s obsession with becoming a great baseball pitcher. If he’s not practicing with his father or doing baseball and basketball skills at camps, he’s thinking or talking about his dream of playing in the pros. Even his divorced parents work together to make sure Marcus gets to all of his various activities. However, lovers of baseball may not mind the single-minded focus on baseball.
The final verdict:
The entire book is about Marcus’s struggles to maintain self-confidence as the day of assessments approaches. The author has lived through it and effectively shares his experiences in the story. The book will mostly appeal to baseball and sports lovers. I can recommend this book if this description applies to you.
I happen to enjoy baseball more than most people so this book is right up my alley. Young readers currently growing up in the life of organized sports can relate to Marcus’s strict schedule to balance all areas of his life. He loves baseball and enjoys basketball so much of the plot finds him at different camps most days focusing on those two sports. A large part of the story deals with the increasing competitiveness of select teams in youth sports and the complications of playing two sports. The baseball coach informs the players of an upcoming assessment (they all know it’s a tryout) that will affect who gets to play on the team in the spring. The stress Marcus feels becomes a major focus in the plot.
A related problem for Marcus is his fragile self-image regarding his physical size. The book doesn’t say he’s actually small but Marcus’s perception is that larger players make better pitchers. Kids go through growth spurts in the middle grades and Marcus notices others are already a head taller than him. Marcus laments that he isn’t growing fast enough and fears that will keep him from becoming a great player. The middle grades find all students self-conscious of their physical appearances so it’s a relatable topic for them.
With Marcus’s stress level amping up, the author presents emotional support from a variety of sources. They try to remind him of breathing exercises, visualization, and keeping things in perspective. Obviously, his parents share their confidence in him and tell Marcus he only needs to do his best. His coaches try to get him to settle down when they notice him struggling. His two closest friends are always there for him and try to give his life some balance. Even his older sister shares her empathy for Marcus and reminds him of their imaginary world of Namorts. While everyone else has confidence in Marcus, the only person who matters is himself.
What didn’t work as well:
There’s really no relief from Marcus’s obsession with becoming a great baseball pitcher. If he’s not practicing with his father or doing baseball and basketball skills at camps, he’s thinking or talking about his dream of playing in the pros. Even his divorced parents work together to make sure Marcus gets to all of his various activities. However, lovers of baseball may not mind the single-minded focus on baseball.
The final verdict:
The entire book is about Marcus’s struggles to maintain self-confidence as the day of assessments approaches. The author has lived through it and effectively shares his experiences in the story. The book will mostly appeal to baseball and sports lovers. I can recommend this book if this description applies to you.
January 18, 2024
Miss Lori enjoyed this story for several reasons. The first reason I liked this story so much is that it tells the reader so much about what it feels like when you are a kid playing a sport you love a LOT. The pressure to succeed can sometimes be very strong. Players feel like they can't make a mistake or coaches and parents will say something or take them out of the game. Adults yell things from the stands and it is hurtful and stressful. Young Marcus feels the pressure from his father to succeed. Marcus isn't sure what it is he really wants anymore: does he want to make the Elite team and be a pitcher that everyone will want on their team or does he want to give up the dream of pitching in the big leagues and just play for "fun"?
The second reason I like this story is that Marcus' mom and his best friends (and finally his dad) help him to know that this kind of pressure is not good and that having someone to talk to about his feelings is important. His family and friends are the BEST!
Middle grade students (especially those who love baseball--any sport really) will want to read this story.
The second reason I like this story is that Marcus' mom and his best friends (and finally his dad) help him to know that this kind of pressure is not good and that having someone to talk to about his feelings is important. His family and friends are the BEST!
Middle grade students (especially those who love baseball--any sport really) will want to read this story.
August 6, 2023
3.5 stars
This is a semi-autobiographical novel written by major league baseball player Marcus Stroman and co-written with Samantha Thornhill.
Marcus plays baseball and basketball, splits his time between the homes of his divorced parents, and often gets teased about being short. As baseball assessments are coming up for a travel team, he is feeling a lot of pressure, so his mom takes him to a counselor to help with the anxiety.
This is a great option for students looking for realistic sports books. The anxiety around performance issues, being teased by other students, splitting time between two homes is all very authentic. I appreciate the importance that is placed on mental health and removing the stigma of seeing a counselor but it was definitely a MESSAGE instead of just part of the story. I'll be happy to add book 2 to my collection as well.
This is a semi-autobiographical novel written by major league baseball player Marcus Stroman and co-written with Samantha Thornhill.
Marcus plays baseball and basketball, splits his time between the homes of his divorced parents, and often gets teased about being short. As baseball assessments are coming up for a travel team, he is feeling a lot of pressure, so his mom takes him to a counselor to help with the anxiety.
This is a great option for students looking for realistic sports books. The anxiety around performance issues, being teased by other students, splitting time between two homes is all very authentic. I appreciate the importance that is placed on mental health and removing the stigma of seeing a counselor but it was definitely a MESSAGE instead of just part of the story. I'll be happy to add book 2 to my collection as well.
July 31, 2024
Really loved this book about how even though a kid has family, coaches, and friends who all believe in him, the doubt creeps in and he has trouble believing in himself.
Some quotes:
-- "Well, I don't want them to say 'You have no shot.' I like that they're supporting me... but why does everyone believe in me when I'm not sure I believe it? That I can pull off anything. like I'm some superhero."
-- I do know one thing: I don't like feeling this way. I want to get out on that field and show the coaches how hard I've worked to get here. I want to succeed. And even if I fail, I want to feel good about trying. If I go down, I want to go down swinging.
-- There are no perfect endings. But there are satisfying ones. If you try your best, you have to be at peace with whatever way it ends.
Some quotes:
-- "Well, I don't want them to say 'You have no shot.' I like that they're supporting me... but why does everyone believe in me when I'm not sure I believe it? That I can pull off anything. like I'm some superhero."
-- I do know one thing: I don't like feeling this way. I want to get out on that field and show the coaches how hard I've worked to get here. I want to succeed. And even if I fail, I want to feel good about trying. If I go down, I want to go down swinging.
-- There are no perfect endings. But there are satisfying ones. If you try your best, you have to be at peace with whatever way it ends.
October 13, 2024
It's really hard for me to rate these Sunshine State books. I think it has a great message about the stress young athletes feel. However, it was very preachy. A majority of the dialogue felt like a not-very-disguised lecture. Which maybe is how it feels to kids when everyone is encouraging them to do their best and not worry about the outcome (if only it were that simple!). So, overall a good book and a quick read. I liked it and thought the focus on destigmatizing mental health was good, but I also thought it was over-simplified. Also, at the end, there was a baseball moment that involved 5 strikes (2 fouls followed by 3 (non-foul) strikes). Marcus Stroman obviously knows that a foul is a strike, so it made me wonder how much involvement he had in writing this book. Did he even read it before it was published?
July 31, 2025
No better way to say with something he said:
“As a kid, I worked extremely hard, believed in myself, and wanted to not only become a great baseball player but a well-rounded athlete, student, and person. I did—and still do—struggle with believing in myself, staying steady, and making peace with trying my best. I work on myself every day. Mental and physical health are the real keys to success.
Being a great person and athlete doesn’t just come from skill or training; it requires mental work to be happy with yourself and to be the best version of yourself. If you ever feel less than your best self or feel like you need help, there’s no shame in talking to your parents, teachers, guidance counselors, or a mental health coach. You are not alone in your feelings. Believe in yourself. You can do anything” -
Marcus Stroman
“As a kid, I worked extremely hard, believed in myself, and wanted to not only become a great baseball player but a well-rounded athlete, student, and person. I did—and still do—struggle with believing in myself, staying steady, and making peace with trying my best. I work on myself every day. Mental and physical health are the real keys to success.
Being a great person and athlete doesn’t just come from skill or training; it requires mental work to be happy with yourself and to be the best version of yourself. If you ever feel less than your best self or feel like you need help, there’s no shame in talking to your parents, teachers, guidance counselors, or a mental health coach. You are not alone in your feelings. Believe in yourself. You can do anything” -
Marcus Stroman
April 14, 2025
The Grip offers a strong and much-needed message about mental health, particularly the importance of acknowledging anxiety and seeking support. Marcus Stroman brings heart to this story, and I appreciated the book’s encouragement to prioritize self-care and ask for help when needed.
However, while the premise is powerful, the execution didn’t fully deliver for me. The prose felt a bit long-winded at times, and I was hoping for a deeper dive into the lived realities of managing high anxiety. Still, I commend Stroman for opening up this conversation and making mental health more visible, especially for young readers and athletes.
However, while the premise is powerful, the execution didn’t fully deliver for me. The prose felt a bit long-winded at times, and I was hoping for a deeper dive into the lived realities of managing high anxiety. Still, I commend Stroman for opening up this conversation and making mental health more visible, especially for young readers and athletes.
January 17, 2024
Sports fiction for grades 3-6. Marcus plays both basketball and baseball, and his divorced parents are very supportive of his ambitions to build a career. But Marcus begins to struggle with self-doubt and severe anxiety as an important assessment looms closer, and not even his strong relationships with family and friends seem to be helping. Finally, his mom decides to seek some professional counseling for Marcus, and Marcus tries to work through some of his struggles.
Kind of a slow book for the genre, but definitely an interesting and timely spin.
Kind of a slow book for the genre, but definitely an interesting and timely spin.
July 24, 2024
What this book does well:
-It explores mental health and talks about how getting help isn't something shameful or to be embarrassed by.
-It explores how kids can feel pressure from adults and from themselves to live up to certain expectations and what may happen if they fail to meet those expectations.
-It explores ways that children can learn to work through self-doubt and believe in themselves when they face challenges.
-It's semi-autobiographical story about a real MLB player who is sharing his experiences which could help real kids who find themselves in similar situations.
-It explores mental health and talks about how getting help isn't something shameful or to be embarrassed by.
-It explores how kids can feel pressure from adults and from themselves to live up to certain expectations and what may happen if they fail to meet those expectations.
-It explores ways that children can learn to work through self-doubt and believe in themselves when they face challenges.
-It's semi-autobiographical story about a real MLB player who is sharing his experiences which could help real kids who find themselves in similar situations.
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