Finding Your Own Field: A Review of "Cope Field" by TL Simpson
- Kim Bartosch
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 26
What happens when the weight of someone else's dreams threatens to crush you? In Cope Field by TL Simpson, young Crawford Cope is pushed to his breaking point by the overwhelming expectations placed on him — not just as a baseball player, but as a son. This raw and emotional YA contemporary explores family dynamics, anger, healing, and what it really means to find your own voice. Whether you're a parent, a coach, or a teen feeling the pressure, Cope Field delivers a story that’s equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. Let’s dive into why this book deserves a spot on your TBR!
Thank you to the author and Flux for the book and my honest review. Book tour sponsor is TBR and Beyond Tours. Be sure to read my full review below!
Title: Cope Field
Author: T.L. Simpson
Publisher: Flux
Date: April 22, 2025
Audience/Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Book Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Synopsis:
Crawford “Craw” Cope has anger issues. Or so they say.
When Craw is sentenced to community service for hitting his father in the head with a baseball bat, he accepts his punishment without objection, knowing he’s actually lucky. If he weren’t the son of a famous former baseball player, he’d probably have gotten it a lot worse. So, Craw keeps his mouth shut and takes what life gives him. Like always.
But when he arrives at community service, which frustratingly turns out to be repairing a dilapidated ball field to be named after his father, he meets Hannah Flores, a punk rock enthusiast trapped in the Ozarks with zero filter. As Craw navigates his own explosive home life, he learns more about hers. And as their friendship blossoms into something more, he begins to understand the importance of speaking his truth, even when doing so might destroy the only life he’s ever known.
Content Warning: trauma, addiction, abuse, descriptions of drug use
My Review of "Cope Field" by T.L. Simpson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Imagine being judged for your temper when no one sees the storm you're living through. In Cope Field by TL Simpson, we meet Crawford “Craw” Cope — a teen with “anger issues” who’s been pushed way past his limits. After swinging a baseball bat at his father’s head, Craw is sentenced to community service... and the irony is brutal. He must fix up a broken-down baseball field named after the very man who's the root of his pain.
Set against the backdrop of the Ozarks, this YA contemporary delivers a gritty, emotional punch. It’s not just about baseball — it’s about survival, identity, and finding the courage to speak your truth when everyone expects you to stay silent.
Craw’s journey feels raw and honest. His relationship with Hannah Flores, a sharp-tongued, punk-loving girl he meets at the field, brings a surprising sweetness to the story. Together, they navigate tough home lives and begin to carve out a space where it’s okay to be — not just perform.
As a parent, reading Cope Field really hit home. Watching Craw carry the weight of his father’s unfulfilled dreams was heartbreaking. It's painfully clear why Craw’s anger simmers so close to the surface. His father isn't a villain — he's a flawed human who forgot that being a dad should always come before being a coach. It’s a mistake that happens far too often, especially in the world of youth sports.
What TL Simpson does so beautifully is show that anger, while messy, often masks deep hurt. Craw's story isn’t about justifying violence; it’s about understanding it. It’s about breaking cycles, learning boundaries, and reclaiming your voice.
The characters are unforgettable, the emotions are raw, and the lessons are universal. Whether you’re a teen stuck in a toxic sports environment, a parent pushing a little too hard, or someone who’s ever felt unseen, Cope Field offers something that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Bottom line: Cope Field is an emotional, powerful 5-star read that I highly recommend. It’s a must-read for parents and teens alike — especially those involved in sports. 🥎
About the author:
T.L. Simpson is an award-winning journalist and novelist living in Arkansas. He is currently the editor of his hometown paper, The Courier. His fiction draws from his experiences growing up in the Ozarks, covering both sports and crime. Simpson lives in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains with his wife and four children. His debut contemporary YA novel STRONG LIKE YOU is out now. His next novel, COPE FIELD, is set for a 2025 release.
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