Joy Ride

Reach for this book when your child has recently altered their behavior, hidden a hobby, or 'messed up' something they love just to avoid the teasing of other kids. It is a powerful tool for navigating the complex feelings of shame that follow peer pressure and the guilt of betraying one's own creative spirit. The story follows Joy and her grandfather as they lovingly restore a vintage bike with sparkles and a bell, only for Joy to sabotage her hard work after neighborhood kids mock it. It beautifully captures the multigenerational bond of 'tinkering' and the specific heartache of trying to fit in. This is a gentle, realistic guide for children ages 4 to 8 on how to apologize to loved ones and, more importantly, how to be brave enough to be yourself again.