Gus and Grandpa at Basketball

Reach for this book when your child loves an activity in private but freezes up during the public performance or the 'big game.' It is a comforting resource for children who struggle with sensory overload, performance anxiety, or the transition from low-stakes practice to high-pressure competition. The story follows Gus, a young boy who enjoys the skills of basketball but finds the chaotic noise of a real game completely overwhelming. Through a tender relationship with his grandfather, Gus learns how to tune out the distractions and find his own rhythm. It is a perfect choice for parents of sensitive or introverted children who need to see their feelings validated and receive practical, gentle strategies for building confidence in loud environments.