Jim Nasium Is a Hockey Hazard

Parents can reach for this book when their child is feeling discouraged by a bully or anxious about trying a new sport. It's a story that directly addresses the frustration of not being good at something right away and the sting of being teased for it. The book follows Jim, who is excited about playing hockey until he realizes he's a terrible skater and becomes the target of the team's star player. With quiet encouragement from his grandfather and a lot of solitary practice, Jim discovers his own unique strength and earns his place on the team. This accessible chapter book for early independent readers uses a lighthearted, sports-focused plot to model perseverance, the value of hard work, and healthy ways to build self-confidence in the face of negativity.