About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels paralyzed by the fear of losing or the pressure to be the best in their extracurricular activities. It is a perfect choice for middle grade readers who are beginning to navigate the complicated intersection of competitive sports, changing family dynamics, and first crushes. The story follows Rosie, a talented tennis player whose joy for the game is overshadowed by her father's intense expectations and the arrival of a new, effortlessly cool rival named Blair. As the two girls compete, the narrative shifts from a standard sports rivalry into a nuanced exploration of identity and self-worth. It teaches children that their value isn't tied to a scoreboard and that it is okay to redefine what success looks like on their own terms. With gentle queer representation and a realistic look at parent-child tension, it is an essential read for the pre-teen transition years.
