About This Book
Reach for this book when your child loves playing a sport but is suddenly hesitant to get back on the field after a hard hit or a public mistake. It addresses the very real physical and social anxiety that comes with competitive play, especially for children who feel they must be the star to be valued. Jim is a talented linebacker who is privately terrified of being tackled, a secret that weighs on his performance and his confidence. Through his friendship with a peer who uses a wheelchair, Jim learns that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it anyway. This classic Matt Christopher story provides a safe, sports focused lens for discussing resilience and the difference between physical toughness and true bravery. It is ideal for elementary schoolers who need to see that even the best athletes struggle with self doubt.
