"Choosing Up Sides" is a young adult novel by John H. Ritter, first published in 1998. The story is set in rural Tennessee during the 1920s and follows the life of 12-year-old protagonist Luke Bledsoe, who is torn between his love for baseball and his family's deep-rooted religious beliefs that forbid him from playing on the Sabbath. Luke's best friend, Bubba, is a talented baseball player who urges Luke to join their team and compete in a major game on a Sunday. However, Luke's father, who is a strict religious leader, forbids him from participating. As Luke struggles to choose between his faith and his passion for baseball, he must also confront the prejudices and social norms of his community. The novel explores themes of religion, family, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in a changing world.
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