
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are the only person in the family without a trophy on the shelf or a special talent to call their own. Fifth grader Allie Velasco lives in a household of high achievers and feels like a perpetual runner-up. When she decides to enter a prestigious school contest, she has to navigate shifting friendships and the pressure of her own expectations. It is a relatable story about the difference between being the best and doing your best. This gentle, contemporary novel explores themes of sibling rivalry, the sting of changing social circles, and the importance of heritage. Angela Cervantes handles the middle-grade struggle for identity with warmth and humor, making it an excellent choice for 8 to 12 year olds who are starting to compare themselves to their peers. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's desire for recognition while pivoting the focus toward internal satisfaction and family connection.
The book deals with the pressure of legacy and historical war service. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: Allie doesn't get a magical 'perfect' ending, but she gains a stronger sense of self.
A 9 or 10 year old who feels 'average' in a family of superstars. It is perfect for the kid who is currently experiencing 'friendship drift' where a best friend is moving on to a new social group.
Read the sections about Great-Grandfather Bisabuelo’s military service to prepare for questions about what the Medal of Honor represents. The book is safe to read cold. A parent might see their child moping after a sibling's awards ceremony or hear their child say, 'I'm not good at anything.'
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the slapstick moments and the 'me versus them' school rivalry. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of Allie’s internal identity crisis and the complexity of her changing friendships.
Unlike many 'struggling student' books, Allie is capable and motivated; her struggle is specifically about the psychological weight of comparison within a successful, loving, but high-pressure family unit. ```
Allie Velasco is a fifth grader in a family of overachievers. Her siblings and cousins are stars in academics and athletics, leaving Allie feeling invisible. After a series of failures, including a ruined science project and a falling out with her best friend Sara, Allie pins all her hopes on the Trailblazer Contest. She decides to create a photography project about her great-grandfather, a local war hero. Along the way, she must learn to navigate a new friendship with Victor and realize that her worth isn't tied to a gold medal.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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