Bouncing Back

Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant physical setback or struggling to redefine their identity after a major life transition. It is particularly helpful for kids who feel they have lost what made them special and are navigating the difficult intersection of grief and new beginnings. Carlos Cooper was once the star of his basketball court, but after a car accident that claimed his parents and left him paralyzed, he must learn to navigate life in a wheelchair. The story follows Carlos as he joins the Rollin Rats wheelchair basketball team, dealing with themes of resilience, belonging, and the healing power of community. Written with a blend of sports action and genuine humor, it is an accessible, secular, and deeply moving choice for middle grade readers who need to see that life doesn't stop after a tragedy, it just changes shape.