Families who loved The Million Dollar Kick by Dan Gutman 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 feels like an outsider in a community that prizes a specific talent they do not possess. It is especially resonant for the creative, non athletic child who faces pressure to conform to school or family expectations regarding sports. The story follows Whisper Nelson, a thirteen year old who avoids physical activity at all costs, only to find herself randomly selected for a high stakes soccer challenge worth a million dollars. While the premise is exciting and humorous, the core of the book explores Whisper's journey through anxiety, the fear of public embarrassment, and the discovery that preparation and strategy can overcome raw athleticism. It is a light, fast paced read for the 8 to 12 age range that validates the feelings of children who march to the beat of their own drum while teaching them how to face daunting challenges with dignity.