About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to forge their own identity while living in the shadow of a sibling, particularly if that sibling has passed away. It is a compassionate choice for children who feel they must become a replica of someone else to earn parental love or maintain a family legacy. Wally's journey through grief is complicated by his desire to master his late brother Jonnie's favorite sport, skateboarding, leading to a poignant exploration of self-worth versus imitation. While the book features a ghost, it is firmly rooted in realistic fiction and the psychological process of mourning. It addresses the heavy weight of comparison and the jealousy that can exist even after someone is gone. This is a 150-page chapter book suitable for independent readers aged 8 to 12 who are ready for a thoughtful, character-driven story about finding one's own voice and letting go of the need for perfection.
