About This Book
Reach for this book when your child comes home with stories of 'mystery snacks' they were too polite to refuse, or when they feel like the odd one out because their games didn't quite land with the group. These stories perfectly capture the high-stakes drama of a fifteen-minute school break, where a strange lunch or a self-made superhero costume can feel like the most important thing in the world. Through the relatable experiences of Atticus, Battie, and Melanie, Danny Katz explores the nuanced social rules of the playground with humor and heart. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged children who are navigating the complexities of friendship, social exclusion, and the courage it takes to be oneself. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's everyday social anxieties while keeping the tone light and genuinely funny.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with social exclusion (the 'Germblock') and cultural/generational differences in food. The approach is secular and highly realistic. While the resolutions aren't always perfectly 'tidy,' they are hopeful and grounded in the reality of how children actually solve problems.
