Families who loved Cowgirl Grit by Jake Maddox often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with performance anxiety or the fear of letting others down during a high-pressure event. While the setting is the rodeo ring, the emotional core of the story speaks to any young person who feels their nerves getting the better of them. It is a perfect choice for those who need to understand that even when we feel like we are failing, grit and persistence are what truly matter. Shelby is a talented barrel racer who begins to doubt her abilities after a series of mistakes. The story follows her journey to regain her self-confidence and rebuild the essential bond of trust with her horse, Blue. Geared toward readers aged 8 to 12, this chapter book provides a realistic look at the ups and downs of competitive sports. It normalizes the feeling of butterflies in the stomach and demonstrates how to pivot from self-doubt to self-assurance through hard work and a change in perspective.