
Reach for this book when you notice your child is struggling to say no to new opportunities or is feeling the weight of a packed schedule. It is perfect for the high achieving student who feels guilty about wanting to quit an activity they once loved. Gabby's story is a gentle, realistic look at the transition from childhood hobbies to discovering one's true passions. In this story, Gabby navigates the pressure of school leadership, dance rehearsals, and a spoken word competition. As she balances her commitments, she realizes that growing up sometimes means letting go of old dreams to make room for new ones. It is an excellent tool for discussing time management, friendship maintenance, and the courage required to be honest about one's changing identity. Best suited for ages 8 to 12.
The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on self-advocacy rather than a magical 'cure.'
A 10-year-old girl who is a 'pleaser' and feels she must excel at everything, particularly if she is starting to feel that her current extracurriculars no longer spark joy.
The book is safe to read cold. Parents may want to pay attention to the scenes where Gabby feels she is failing her friend Teagen to discuss how busyness affects relationships. A parent might see their child looking exhausted after a long day of activities or notice their child becoming defensive when asked how a specific lesson or practice went.
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on the fun of the dance and poetry world. Older readers (11-12) will deeply resonate with the social pressures and the internal conflict of outgrowing a childhood hobby.
Unlike many 'pursue your dreams' books, this one focuses on the bravery of quitting something you're good at to pursue something you love more. It also beautifully integrates spoken word poetry as a medium for finding one's voice. """
Gabby is juggling a massive workload: school leadership, dance, and a spoken word poetry competition. When offered a prestigious dance opportunity, she accepts, only to find herself spread too thin. The story follows her realization that her passion for poetry is overtaking her love for dance, leading to a difficult but necessary decision about her priorities and her friendship with her BFF, Teagen.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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