The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane

Eighth-grader Molly Williams is having a difficult time. Her father died in a car accident last fall, and ever since then, her mother has been withdrawn and distant. Molly takes refuge in playing baseball like she used to with her dad. But with nobody to pitch to, it just isn’t the same. When it comes time for spring try-outs, Molly decides to opt out of girls’ softball – instead she tries out for boys’ baseball. Being the only girl on the team is difficult, but Molly has a secret weapon: the knuckleball her dad taught her. Will it be enough to win over her teammates?