
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to return to a sport or hobby after a fall, injury, or public mistake. It is an ideal resource for navigating the specific intersection of physical recovery and the psychological 'yips' or performance anxiety that often follows a setback. The story follows a young gymnast who must overcome her fear of getting hurt again while balancing the pressure of an upcoming competition. At its heart, this is a story about mental resilience and the importance of a supportive team. It is written at an accessible level for elementary and early middle schoolers, focusing on the internal monologue of a child who feels her body and mind are at odds. Parents will appreciate how it models a healthy return to activity through patience and small victories rather than just 'toughing it out.'
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Sign in to write a reviewProtagonist deals with feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure.
The book deals with physical injury and the resulting anxiety. The approach is direct and secular, focusing on the realistic process of recovery. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in effort.
A 9-year-old athlete who is experiencing 'performance blocks' or who has recently been cleared by a doctor to return to play but feels emotionally unready to compete.
This book can be read cold. It may be helpful to discuss the difference between 'good pain' (muscles working) and 'bad pain' (injury) as mentioned in the text. A parent might notice their child making excuses to skip practice, crying before lessons, or showing uncharacteristic hesitation in an activity they used to love.
Younger readers will focus on the excitement of the gymnastics moves and the drama of the fall. Older readers will resonate more with the internal pressure Cami feels to not let her team down.
Unlike many sports books that focus on winning the 'big game,' this entry in the Jake Maddox series focuses specifically on the psychological barrier of injury recovery, making it a valuable tool for social-emotional learning.
Cami is a talented gymnast who suffers a painful fall during a routine. As a major competition approaches, she finds herself paralyzed by fear, unable to perform moves she used to do with ease. The story follows her journey through physical therapy and mental retraining, leaning on her teammates and coach to regain her confidence before the big meet.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.