Livie Is Not Too Small to Play Baseball

About this book

Livie may be the smallest player in the church baseball league, but she has the biggest heart. At first, she struggles-chasing balls, getting bruises, and hearing whispers from teammates who think she's too small to play. But with encouragement from her coach and faith from her father, Livie learns that toughness isn't about size, it's about courage, determination, and never giving up.When the Little Red Sox face the Little Yankees in a tie-breaking game, Livie steps up to the plate in the final inning. With the game on the line and her teammates doubting her, Livie proves that even the smallest player can make the biggest difference.Livie Is Not Too Small to Play Baseball is an uplifting story about perseverance, teamwork, and believing in yourself. Perfect for young readers who love sports, underdog stories, or simply need a reminder that they, too, can rise to any challenge. Author BiographyTemus Dwayne Ratcliff is a writer, mentor, veteran, and community-driven creator from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His life and work are shaped by a wealthy family tapestry that grounds him and fuels his purpose. Born to his biological parents, whose strengths and struggles helped define his identity, Ratcliff was also guided and supported by his adoptive parents, who gave him stability, structure, and a deeper understanding of responsibility, love, and legacy. This dual foundation-both biological and adoptive-gave him a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and the power of chosen family.Ratcliff is a dedicated father and grandfather whose children and grandchildren represent the heart of his motivation. They inspire his commitment to personal growth, higher education, and creating opportunities for future generations. He views his family as both his past and his future, those who shaped him and those he is shaping through example, discipline, honesty, and love.In his academic work at Walden University, Ratcliff examines the influence of popular culture on communities, exploring themes such as violence, representation, trauma, and resilience. His writing seamlessly blends real-world experience with academic insight, highlighting how media shape identity and social behavior. Beyond academics, he continues to build a legacy rooted in his family values and in the lessons, he learned from all four pillars of his upbringing: his biological parents, his adoptive parents, his children, and his grandchildren.Ratcliff's life philosophy- "Deeds, not words"-guides everything he does. He strives to uplift his community through action, creativity, mentorship, and truth. His ongoing mission is to leave behind a legacy of strength, purpose, and authenticity for the generations that carry his name.