About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is sidelined by a minor injury or feels like they are suddenly second-best in their own social circle. It is the perfect remedy for the summer blues, specifically addressing the frustration of being stuck in a cast while friends and rivals seem to be having all the fun. The story follows nine-year-old Elliot, who is struggling with a broken arm, a high-achieving new neighbor, and a nephew who is stealing his spotlight. Through Palatini's signature humor, the book explores themes of jealousy, sibling (and nephew) rivalry, and the internal struggle of feeling left behind. It normalizes the 'grumpy' feelings that come with physical limitations and social shifts. Written for ages 8 to 12, it provides a lighthearted but validating look at how to handle a temporary loss of independence and the arrival of a competitive peer.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with a temporary physical disability (a broken arm) in a secular, realistic way. The focus is on the emotional frustration of being 'incapacitated' rather than medical trauma. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on social reintegration.
