About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice economic differences between themselves and their peers, particularly when those differences impact their ability to participate in sports or social clubs. It provides a relatable entry point for middle grade readers who feel the pressure to keep up appearances while their family navigates financial constraints. Lissa Marks is a dedicated cheerleader and the fundraising chair for her team, but she is privately terrified that her widowed mother's tight budget will force her to quit. The story explores the intersection of grief, single-parent household dynamics, and the specific anxiety of being a 'scholarship kid' in a high-cost activity. It is a gentle, realistic look at how honesty and community support can alleviate the shame children often feel regarding money.
