About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling to balance high-pressure extracurriculars with the emotional weight of a changing family dynamic. It is particularly helpful for children who express their stress through irritability or withdrawal, or those who feel stuck in the middle of a parental conflict. Mark, a talented soccer center, is living with his grandparents while his parents navigate a messy divorce. While the story centers on his performance on the field, the true heart of the narrative is Mark's internal struggle to manage his anger and sadness without letting it sideline his life. This is a realistic, grounded choice for kids ages 8 to 12 that validates their feelings of displacement and frustration. It serves as a gentle opening for parents to discuss how life's external pressures can sometimes spill over into the activities we love most.
