About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is feeling overwhelmed by high expectations or paralyzed by the need to be the best in sports or school. While framed as a spooky adventure, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the toxic side of hyper-competitiveness. Tommy is sent to a special camp designed to turn him into a winner, only to discover that the stakes are literally life or death under the watchful eye of a monstrous teacher. Through its blend of humor and horror, the story explores the anxiety of comparison and the pressure of parental expectations. It is age-appropriate for middle-grade readers who enjoy a thrill but also need to hear that their worth is not defined by a trophy. It provides a safe, exaggerated space to discuss the very real stress of performance culture.
