A High Five for Glenn Burke

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the quiet, often confusing realization that they might be different from their peers, especially in a sports or school environment where fitting in feels mandatory. It is an essential choice for a middle schooler who loves athletics but feels a disconnect between their public persona and their internal identity. The story follows Silas, a baseball-obsessed sixth grader who discovers the history of Glenn Burke, the MLB player who invented the high five and was also gay. This discovery becomes a mirror for Silas as he processes his own coming out process. Through the lens of baseball history and middle school friendships, Phil Bildner explores themes of bravery, self-acceptance, and the fear of rejection. The book is emotionally resonant and age-appropriate for the 10-14 range, offering a realistic look at the anxiety of being 'the first' in one's social circle to share a personal truth. Parents will appreciate the way it models supportive adult-child relationships while acknowledging the very real social stakes of middle school life.