
Reach for this book when you notice your child is unusually distracted, irritable, or underperforming because they are hiding a mistake they made. It is perfect for children who are struggling to balance their personal desires with family rules and are feeling the heavy physical weight of a secret. The story follows Bus Mercer, a talented shortstop whose dreams of making the all-star team are derailed by the guilt he feels after breaking his parents' safety rules for his new bike. As his performance on the field suffers, the book explores how internal integrity directly impacts our external success. This accessible chapter book is ideal for ages 7 to 10, offering a relatable model for how to own up to a mistake, apologize, and clear the air so you can focus on your goals again. It is a gentle but firm look at why honesty is the best policy for a clear conscience.
Bus nearly has an accident on his bike while breaking safety rules.
The book deals with moral choices and parental deception in a secular, realistic manner. The resolution is hopeful and instructive, showing that while there are consequences for breaking rules, the relief of honesty is worth it.
A third or fourth grader who loves sports but might be prone to 'perfectionist' anxiety or someone who has recently gotten into trouble and is struggling with the fallout of a lie.
This book can be read cold. It serves as an excellent opening for a conversation about the 'physical' feeling of guilt. A parent might see their child making uncharacteristic mistakes or acting 'off' and suspect the child is hiding a specific incident of rule-breaking.
Younger readers (7-8) will focus on the excitement of the bike and the baseball action. Older readers (9-10) will better grasp the psychological connection between Bus's dishonesty and his performance anxiety.
Unlike many sports books that focus purely on physical practice, Christopher highlights the mental and emotional state of the athlete, proving that character is just as important as talent.
Bus Mercer is a talented shortstop for the Peach Street Mudders with one goal: making the county all-star team. When his parents buy him a expensive new bicycle, they set clear safety rules. Bus ignores these rules, nearly causing an accident, and chooses to hide the incident. The resulting guilt manifests as a 'slump' on the baseball diamond, affecting his focus and his relationship with teammates. Eventually, Bus realizes he cannot play his best while carrying a secret, leading to a confession and a lesson in accountability.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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