Books Like Playing Forward
Families who loved Playing Forward 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.
Families who loved Playing Forward 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 struggling with a mismatch between their personal ambitions and their natural strengths, or if they feel discouraged because they don't 'look the part' for a specific goal. It is an excellent resource for children facing transitions where they must let go of a specific identity (like being a high scorer) to embrace a role that better serves their community or team. The story follows Isaac, who is determined to follow in his tall brother's footsteps as a basketball forward. However, his physical size makes him a more natural fit for point guard. The narrative explores the emotional difficulty of pivotting goals and the value of humility. At just 72 pages, it is a manageable read for elementary students that offers a realistic, secular look at sportsmanship and self-acceptance.
