About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with performance anxiety or a self-conscious habit that makes them feel like an outsider on their own team. It is a perfect fit for the young athlete who feels the weight of peer expectations and struggles with the internal noise of overthinking. The story follows seventh-grader Ollie, a talented pitcher whose habit of talking to himself on the mound becomes a liability when it begins to reveal his strategy to the opposing team. Through Ollie's journey, the book explores the delicate balance between natural talent and the mental fortitude required to handle public failure. It highlights themes of self-confidence, the pressure of middle school social hierarchies, and the resilience needed to face teammates who are more focused on winning than on friendship. Recommended for ages 8 to 12, this story provides a realistic and relatable look at how children can reclaim their confidence after a humiliating setback.
