Goldfever

Austin is playing with his dog at Goldmine Park when he unearths a genuine gold nugget. The catch? The discovery happens exactly where he is supposed to play his football Grand Final later that day. The narrative follows Austin's frantic efforts to protect his 'claim' while playing a high-stakes game. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book is entirely secular and grounded in contemporary realism. There are no heavy topics like death or divorce. The tension is purely situational and social, revolving around the stress of a secret and the pressure of sports. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a peak of excitement that quickly turns into mounting anxiety. It maintains a high-octane, frantic energy as Austin navigates the game. The resolution is satisfying and brings a sense of relief and joy. IDEAL READER: An 8-year-old who feels things deeply and gets 'the jitters' before sports games or school presentations. It's also great for the kid who loves the idea of finding hidden treasure in mundane places. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after seeing their child become paralyzed by indecision or secret-keeping, or if a child is so focused on an external distraction that they can't focus on their responsibilities. PARENT PREP: This is a safe read-cold book. Parents might want to discuss the history of gold mining briefly if the child is curious about why it's called 'Goldmine Park.' AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (7-8) will focus on the slapstick humor of Austin trying to hide the nugget. Older readers (9-10) will better appreciate the psychological tension of trying to perform under pressure. DIFFERENTIATOR: It perfectly marries a 'get rich quick' fantasy with a relatable sports drama, using humor to diffuse what could otherwise be a very stressful situation.