About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing a new medical diagnosis and feels like their world is shrinking. It is an essential resource for families navigating the balance between safety and independence, especially when a child fears their condition will define them or limit their participation in the things they love. The story follows Rusty Young, a boy diagnosed with diabetes whose protective parents want him to quit the basketball league he loves. As Rusty fights to prove he can manage his health while staying on the court, the book explores themes of resilience, self-advocacy, and the evolution of the parent-child relationship during a health crisis. It is a grounded, realistic look at growing up with a chronic condition, perfect for elementary school readers who need to see themselves as athletes first and patients second.
