About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the heavy weight of perfectionism or feeling like their worth is tied to winning. It is particularly helpful for the child who is eager to please a parent and feels that only a first-place ribbon will make them truly 'excellent.' Emma McGraw is a relatable third-grader who believes winning the Winter Games will prove her value to her father, but she soon discovers that her classmates have their own hidden anxieties and motivations. Through school-day competitions and social mishaps, the story explores themes of self-confidence, friendship, and the realization that 'excellence' is more about character than trophies. It is a gentle, realistic look at the social pressures of elementary school that helps normalize the fear of failure and the pressure to perform.
