The Dodgeball Chronicles

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the tricky social hierarchy of middle school or feeling like they do not quite fit into the popular crowd. It is an ideal pick for students who feel intimidated by school bullies or are struggling to find a group where they belong. The story follows Artie King as he navigates Camelot Middle School, where he must form an unlikely team of misfits to face off against the school's dominant athletes in a high-stakes dodgeball tournament. Through the lens of a clever Arthurian legend parody, the book explores themes of teamwork, standing up for oneself, and the importance of choosing friends who value loyalty over status. The graphic novel format makes it highly accessible for reluctant readers aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it uses humor and fantasy elements to model resilience and the idea that being an underdog can actually be a position of strength when you have the right allies by your side.