Don't Give Up, Mallory

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are stuck in a 'losing streak' or struggling with a sudden dip in self-esteem. It is perfect for the pre-teen who is comparing themselves to peers and feeling like they come up short in every category. In this installment of the series, Mallory Pike experiences a series of demoralizing failures: she fails a test, loses a babysitting job, and feels like a disappointment to her club and family. The story explores themes of grit, resilience, and the reality that everyone goes through periods where nothing seems to go right. Aimed at readers aged 8 to 12, this book provides a comforting, secular look at navigating frustration. It normalizes the 'clumsy' or 'unsuccessful' phases of growing up and models how to pick oneself up without the need for immediate, magical perfection. It is a practical guide for building a growth mindset during the often-difficult middle school years.