About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when they notice their child is struggling to find their own voice or feels eclipsed by the high expectations and loud personalities of family members. It is a perfect fit for the 'quiet' child who needs to realize that personal growth often happens in the spaces where they push their own boundaries, rather than where others push them. Spending a summer with her formidable, politically minded grandmother, fourteen-year-old Mad navigates the pressures of perfectionism while discovering her own strengths in the unlikely duo of horseback riding and Scottish Highland dancing. This story beautifully captures the transition from following a script to writing one's own, making it an excellent choice for middle schoolers navigating identity and self-confidence. The book is gentle yet firm in its message that independence is earned through practice, resilience, and the courage to say 'no' to others so you can say 'yes' to yourself.
