Families who loved There Are No Figure Eights in Hockey by Chris Kreie 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 hesitant to try a beneficial activity because they fear it will make them look silly or uncool to their friends. It is a perfect choice for kids who struggle with the social pressure to maintain a certain image even when they know a different path could help them succeed. This story follows Josh, a dedicated hockey player who is told that taking figure skating lessons is the key to improving his speed and agility on the ice. The book centers on the internal conflict between ego and improvement. As Josh navigates the embarrassment of wearing figure skates in a rink full of his peers, he learns that true confidence comes from results and hard work rather than just fitting in. It is an accessible, short chapter book for readers aged 8 to 12 that validates the very real anxiety of being judged by one's social circle while providing a positive roadmap for overcoming peer pressure.
