Families who loved It's Hard to Dribble with Your Feet by Val Priebe 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 frustration of being a 'natural' in one area but a complete beginner in another. It is specifically designed for the student who thrives on confidence and may feel their identity is threatened when a new skill does not come easily. The story follows a talented basketball player who decides to try soccer, only to realize that his hand-eye coordination does not immediately translate to footwork. Through the protagonist's journey, the book explores the messy middle of the learning curve, including the anger and jealousy that arise when peers seem to excel effortlessly. It is a perfect choice for children ages 8 to 12 who are navigating school sports or extracurricular shifts. This narrative helps normalize the 'growing pains' of building a growth mindset, showing that grit is more important than being the best player on day one.
