Sliding Home


TORONTO AUTHOR JOYCE GRANT’S SECOND CHILDREN’S BASEBALL NOVEL FROM LORIMER KIDS TO BE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AT CHRISTIE PITS DURING THE JAYS CARE FOUNDATION LIGHTS ON CHRISTIE PITS DIAMOND 3 RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY & BLUE JAYS HONDA BASEBALL CLINIC EXTRAVAGANZA ON MAY 12

Toronto Playgrounds Baseball is proud to announce that distinguished local author Joyce Grant will be launching her second children’s baseball novel, Sliding Home, during our Jays Care Foundation Lights On Christie Pits Diamond 3 ribbon cutting ceremony & Blue Jays Honda Baseball Clinic event on Saturday, May 12 at Christie Pits.

Grant’s newest novel, from publisher Lorimer Children & Teens, involves the story of Miguel, who left El Salvador without his father and came to Canada with his mother and sister. Juggling a hectic schedule of multiple jobs while pursing his love of baseball with the Toronto Blues baseball team at the same time, he reaches a crossroads when his father’s situation back home becomes critical and it’s necessary to bring him to Canada. Unable to finance his baseball dreams and pay his father’s way to Toronto, Miguel opens up to his teammates about his dire situation. In the process, the Blues learn about the hard realities that new immigrants face – and Miguel  finds help where he least expects it by learning to trust those in his community.

In praise of Grant’s latest release, author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester, says “Baseball is hard. So is life. Sliding Home blends those realities seamlessly in a book that’s fun to read.”

‘Tagged Out’, Grant’s debut novel from Lorimer, revolved around the story of the inner-city Toronto Blues baseball team that is having a lousy year. Shortstop Nash and the Blues just can’t seem to win a game. They especially hate losing to their archrivals, The Parkhill Pirates. When all-star player, Jock, joins the Blues, it looks like they might be able to turn the season around. The only problem? When the Pirates find out that Jock is gay, they ambush Nash and Jock, and Nash has to decide if he wants to stand by his teammate.

Both ‘Sliding Home’ and ‘Tagged Out’ are great books for kids who love baseball but don’t love reading. There’s lots of real-life baseball action–and best of all, both novels are set in Toronto’s own Christie Pits.

As part of the official book launch, TP Baseball Committee Member Paul Bagnell will be conducting an on site interview with Grant during the Lights On 3 Ribbon Cutting & Blue Jays Honda Baseball Clinic event. Everyone is welcome to attend this public forum where Grant will answer questions regarding the inspiration and work involved behind bringing ‘Sliding Home’ and ‘Tagged Out’ to fruition.

Additionally, there will an opportunity for all attendees at our event to participate in a free prize draw for copies of ‘Sliding Home’.

Along with renowned illustrator Jan Dolby, Grant is also the author of the popular Gabby children’s picture book series. In addition, Grant is also a writer and editor for Teaching Kids News (TKN), a popular children’s blog which offers kid-friendly news articles, taken from the headlines of real newspapers.