Families who loved Dive Right In by Matt Christopher 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 facing the loss of a long held identity or is paralyzed by the fear of starting over in a new arena. Twelve year old Traci Winchell is a gifted gymnast whose performance anxiety has reached a dangerous tipping point. Forced to leave the sport she loves, she must navigate the emotional vacuum of being 'nothing' before discovering if her skills can translate to the diving board. It is a sensitive exploration of performance pressure and the courage required to be a beginner again. The story normalizes the anxiety of high stakes youth sports while modeling how to pivot when a passion no longer serves your well being. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are learning that their worth is not tied solely to their trophies.