
Reach for this book when your child is resisting a change in leadership or feels frustrated by a coach who focuses on fundamentals rather than 'the fun stuff.' It is a perfect choice for young athletes who have experienced a shift in team dynamics or are struggling with a perceived loss of status when a new teacher or coach takes over. The story follows Andrea, a talented volleyball player who must navigate her frustration when a new coach moves her to a different position and insists the team return to basic drills. Through Andrea's journey, the book explores themes of teamwork, adaptability, and the value of a solid foundation. At 72 pages, it is an accessible, realistic read for children aged 8 to 12 that validates their feelings of annoyance while modeling how to move forward with a growth mindset.
The book is entirely secular and realistic. It deals with interpersonal conflict and ego without heavy trauma. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on the rewards of hard work and humility.
A 9 or 10-year-old athlete who is talented but perhaps a bit stubborn. Specifically, a child who has recently been told they need to work on their 'basics' or who feels 'benched' or moved to a less glamorous position on a team or in a school project.
This is a straightforward sports story that can be read cold. Parents might want to highlight the scene where the coach explains the 'why' behind the drills to help the child connect it to their own experiences. A parent might see their child complaining that a coach 'doesn't know what they're doing' or witnessing a child's 'eye-rolling' during practice when asked to repeat simple tasks.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the sports action and the unfairness Andrea feels. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the social dynamics of the team and the importance of leadership and structural discipline.
Unlike many sports books that focus on the 'big game' heroics, this one focuses on the ego-bruising reality of being told you aren't above the basics, making it a valuable tool for teaching humility and coachability.
Andrea is a star player on the Pumas volleyball team and is used to winning. When a new coach arrives and implements a back-to-basics training regimen, Andrea is frustrated by the repetitive drills and her new defensive role. She must decide whether to fight the changes or embrace her new position for the sake of the team's success.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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