
Reach for this book when your child struggles with intense competitiveness, poor sportsmanship, or the frustration of losing to a rival. It is specifically designed for kids who have trouble keeping their cool when the pressure is on or when they feel someone else is cheating or outperforming them. The story follows a mountain biker named Todd who finds himself in a heated rivalry that threatens his performance and his integrity. Through Todd's experience, children see a realistic model of how anger can cloud judgment and lead to mistakes. The book explores themes of honesty, self-control, and the importance of focusing on one's own progress rather than a rival's actions. It is an accessible chapter book for ages 8 to 12, offering a low-stakes way for parents to discuss the high-stakes emotions of competitive sports and how to rebound after an outburst.
Some descriptions of fast biking and potential crashes on rough trails.
The book is secular and realistic. It deals with interpersonal conflict and bullying-adjacent behavior in a sports context. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in personal growth.
An elementary schooler who is highly athletic but often comes home upset about how others played the game, or a child who has been accused of being a 'sore loser' and needs a way to process those feelings.
The book can be read cold. Parents may want to pay attention to the scenes where Todd's internal monologue shows his anger, as these are perfect 'pause and talk' moments. A parent might see their child throw a helmet, yell at a teammate, or obsess over a 'cheating' rival during a weekend tournament.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the cool factor of the bikes and the clear 'villain' in Carlos. Older readers (10-12) will better grasp the nuance of Todd's internal struggle to choose his response over his reaction.
Unlike many sports books that focus on teamwork, this highlights the individual mental game and the specific physical sensations of losing one's temper, making it a great tool for emotional regulation.
Todd is a talented mountain biker preparing for a major competition. His focus is derailed by Carlos, a rival who uses aggressive tactics and psychological games to get under Todd's skin. As the tension mounts, Todd must decide if he will sink to Carlos's level or maintain his integrity. The story culminates in a high-stakes race where Todd's emotional control is tested as much as his physical endurance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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