About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with feelings of inadequacy or resentment after being 'replaced' by a newcomer in sports, school, or a social circle. It serves as a gentle guide for navigating the complex emotions of competition and the sting of losing a hard-earned spot to someone else. The story follows Stogie Crane, a dedicated shortstop whose world is upended when Sam Suzuki moves from Tokyo and proves to be a superior player. Through the lens of Little League baseball, the book explores how jealousy can cloud our judgment and how empathy can bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged readers who are learning that a teammate's success does not have to mean their own failure. Parents will appreciate how it models sportsmanship and the difficult process of turning a rival into a friend.
