About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, such as moving to a new town or losing the comfort of a high-achieving peer group. It is specifically designed for the child who feels like a fish out of water or who is struggling to maintain a positive attitude when their new circumstances feel like a step backward. Twelve-year-old Jake was a star on a championship soccer team, but a family move lands him on the Belmont Blues, a team that cannot seem to win a single game. The story follows Jake as he navigates the frustration of losing, the difficulty of making new friends, and the ultimate realization that being a leader is about more than just winning. It is a grounded, realistic look at building resilience and finding belonging through effort and empathy. This is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who need to see that their worth is not tied to their trophy case.
