
Reach for this book when your child's passion for competition turns into a 'meltdown' after a loss or a bad call. It is a perfect tool for children who have high standards for themselves but struggle to manage their temper when things go wrong on the ice or the field. The story follows David, a talented hockey player whose anger issues threaten his spot on the team and his friendships. It explores themes of sportsmanship, self-control, and the importance of making a sincere apology. Written at an accessible level for elementary readers, it provides a realistic look at how big feelings can cloud judgment and how to get back on track. Parents will appreciate the clear modeling of restorative behavior and the emphasis on teamwork over individual ego.
The book deals with behavioral issues and social consequences in a secular, direct manner. The resolution is realistic: David doesn't magically stop being competitive, but he learns to channel it appropriately.
An 8 to 10 year old athlete who is 'a bad loser.' This child is likely talented but feels immense pressure (either internal or external) and needs to see that their value isn't just in winning, but in how they treat others.
Read the scenes of David's outbursts (Chapters 2 and 3) to see if they mirror your child's specific behaviors, which can help in pointing out the similarities during discussion. A parent who has just witnessed their child throw a helmet, yell at a referee, or blame a teammate for a loss will find this book highly relevant.
Younger readers will focus on the exciting hockey action and the 'mean' versus 'nice' behavior. Older readers (10+) will better grasp the nuance of David's internal shame and the social stakes of his reputation.
Unlike many sports books that focus on 'the big win,' this one focuses entirely on the internal character work required to be a teammate. It de-glamorizes the 'hot-head' athlete trope.
David is a skilled hockey player who lets his competitive drive turn into toxic anger. After a series of outbursts on the ice, including shouting at teammates and officials, he faces consequences from his coach and alienation from his peers. The narrative focuses on his internal struggle to recognize his behavior as a problem and his eventual effort to implement self-regulation strategies to reconcile with his team.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review



















