A Little Potato and Hard to Peel
by David Harrell
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Pub Date 4 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 3 Mar 2025
Amplify Publishing | Mascot Kids!
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Description
“We were called The Little Potatoes and Hard to Peel . . . we were smaller than the other kids and maybe not as talented, but we always played with our hearts. So, it didn’t matter if we won or lost, we never got down, because we knew on the inside . . . we were tuff and hard to peel.”
This is how David's grandfather, Pop Pop, begins a legendary story about his little league baseball team during a family reunion in Kentucky, along the winding Ohio River. As the tale unravels, David starts to think Pop Pop might be teaching him more than just the rules of baseball. Back home in Georgia, David is embarking on a new adventure as he begins middle school, a time of exciting changes that he will navigate single-handedly. David was born without his right hand, a “glitch” that allows him to adapt differently to all experiences. Soon, he finds himself wondering if he can follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and join his little league all-star team with one mitt. Full of vulnerability and despair, humor and hope, we learn the universal power of his grandfather’s story as it echoes in David’s life, reminding us to not let challenges, obstacles, and perceived limitations peel away the core of our humanity.
Advance Praise
"A Little Potato and Hard to Peel is not only an engaging story for sports fans—it’s also a deeply uplifting and thought-provoking story about growth and positivity." —The Children's Book Review
"A Little Potato and Hard to Peel is not only an engaging story for sports fans—it’s also a deeply uplifting and thought-provoking story about growth and positivity." —The Children's Book Review
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781645434054 |
| PRICE | US$16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 120 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Sara S, Reviewer
"A Little Potato and Hard to Peel" by David Harrell is a heartwarming children's book about a boy named David who navigates the challenges of middle school while living with a disability. Drawing inspiration from the author's own life, the story encourages self-acceptance and resilience, reminding readers that everyone possesses unique strengths and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Mark B, Reviewer
What worked:
David is born without a right hand, which affected his dream of excelling in baseball. He hopes to earn a letter jacket in high school and get a girlfriend. He thinks that will make him cool and prove he’s normal. Most readers can relate to David’s worries when he starts middle school and a bully makes things worse. He’s even uncomfortable when his new teachers read their class rosters and reveal David’s embarrassing first name. In David’s eyes, it only gives the bully ammunition for teasing.
David gets helpful advice from different sources including the nub at the end of his right arm. He calls the nub Mr. Mo and they have brief conversations when David thinks he’s not like normal kids. His grandfather is a big baseball fan and David appreciates their talks together. The school guidance counselor shares some observations and suggestions when David’s having an especially bad day. The book also mentions a couple of former major league baseball players that David looks up to. David loves Pete Rose’s hustle and Jim Abbot pitched even though he was missing his right hand, just like David. David even receives help from his grandfather after his passing.
What didn’t work as well:
The book’s fast pace doesn’t allow time for plot details and character development. The story focuses mostly on David’s challenge to fully accept his disability and his desire to play baseball. Readers don’t know much about the other characters
The final verdict:
The simple narrative will appeal to young readers and they’ll be able to relate to his desire to be “normal”. They can also respect the challenges he faces to overcome physical and mental hurdles to become the best he can be. Overall, it’s an endearing quick read and I recommend you give it a shot.
