Calling Leonard Goofball

A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler feels like a square peg in a round hole, perhaps masking their social anxiety with humor or vivid daydreams. Leonardo Guzzardo tells the story of Leonard, a boy who uses his wild imagination and quirky internal world to navigate the high-stakes environment of the school hallway. The story addresses themes of self-confidence and the fear of embarrassment through a lens of levity and heart. It is perfectly suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are beginning to feel the pressure to fit in. This is an ideal choice for parents who want to normalize the 'goofball' phase while celebrating a child's unique creative voice as a valid tool for social survival.