• Age: 6 to 10
• Grade: 2 to 5
• Reading age: 6 to 10

It's awkward enough for any kid going to a new school, but Rose, whose family belongs to a Mennonite community, feels even more out of place. Then, one day, she picks up a baseball.

Inspired by her own childhood memories, Laurel Dee Gugler paints a touching portrait of a young girl throwing herself into a new game and fresh possibilities.

Toronto-based author and storyteller LAUREL DEE GUGLER is perhaps best known for her popular picture books, including There's a Billy Goat in the Garden and Monkey Tales. She has also worked as a teacher, Education Coordinator of Hamilton Children's Museum, and the founder and coordinator of a multicultural storytelling group.

Laurel Dee Gugler's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens Selection 2010

"Catching Forever is an easy read that grabs the reader's interest and allows the reader to appreciate the uniqueness of others. It is a book that many young readers would be able to relate to and would be a great resource when teaching young people about the importance of acceptance."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Catching Forever

Rose is a young Mennonite girl who yearns to be accepted by her peers. Not only is Rose seeking her own identity and acceptance, she is trying to balance her individualism and religious belief in a society that has different customs.

Rose’s insecurity stems from having to go to a new school after her Mennonite school closed down. To make matters worse, Rose discovers that Judy, a snooty girl who taunted and teased her at summer camp, is the class bully and constantly mocks the Mennonite students from Lone Tree School. This infuriates Rose and she is torn about what she should do. If she doesn’t do anything, Judy will make her life miserable. If she gives Judy a taste of her own medicine Rose feels she is not a good Mennonite or person. She longs to be someone who is adventurous, brave, spunky and fun but she is confused about who she is and who she wants to become.

Rose realizes she needs to make some changes, even if it means convincing her Mamma to relax on the strict rules that take the fun out of everything. As Rose steps out of her comfort zone and learns to play baseball, she finds herself in a whole new game in which she is forced to stand up to the plate and face the curve balls in life. Will her determination and new-found confidence allow her to strike Judy out in her own game? Or will they learn to work together as team members and appreciate each other’s individuality?

Catching Forever is an easy read that grasps the reader’s interest and allows the reader to appreciate the uniqueness of others. Inspired by memories of growing up Mennonite, Laurel Dee Gugler has written a delightful book that many young readers will be able to relate to. This book is highly recommended and would be a great resource when teaching young people about the importance of acceptance.

Catching Forever (Streetlights)

It’s awkward enough for any kid going to a new school, but Rose, whose family belongs to a Mennonite community, feels even more out of place. Then, one day, she picks up a baseball. Inspired by her childhood memories, Gugler crafts a moving portrait of a young girl throwing herself into a new game and fresh possibilities.