Families who loved Wingman On Ice 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 starts believing that the latest gear or the most expensive sneakers are the only things standing between them and success. It is the perfect tool for addressing the common frustration of a young athlete who blames their equipment (or expects too much from it) instead of focusing on the fundamentals of the game. The story follows Tod, a hockey player who pins all his hopes on a high tech stick, only to realize that performance is earned through sweat and repetition. Through Tod's journey of self imposed penance and eventual growth, children ages 8 to 12 learn about the relationship between equipment and expertise. It highlights themes of personal accountability and the quiet pride that comes from genuine improvement. It is a grounded, realistic choice for parents who want to foster a growth mindset in children who may be tempted by quick fixes or material shortcuts in their extracurricular activities.