About This Book
Reach for this book when you notice your child is beginning to burn out or lose their spark in a competitive activity they once loved. It is a gentle, visually engaging story that addresses the heavy pressure children feel when their identity becomes tied to being the best at a sport. Elena Rueda is a star baseball player who has stopped having fun, leading her on a summer journey of self-reflection away from the diamond. Through her interactions with her brother's quirky friends, Elena explores who she is outside of being an athlete. The graphic novel format makes the emotional themes of anxiety and self-discovery accessible for readers aged 8 to 12. It is an excellent choice for normalizing the idea that it is okay to step back, re-evaluate priorities, and find joy in being oneself rather than just being a performer.
