Karen's New Bike

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major physical milestone, like learning to ride a two-wheeler, and is struggling with the fear of falling or the pressure to keep up with peers. It is a perfect choice for children who feel 'stuck' in the younger stage of development while their friends are moving ahead, providing a gentle mirror for their anxiety and frustration. In this story, seven-year-old Karen Brewer gets a brand new bike but finds that balancing without training wheels is much harder than she expected. The narrative focuses on her internal struggle with self-doubt and the eventual triumph of persistence. As a realistic fiction piece for the 7-10 age range, it beautifully normalizes the fact that bravery doesn't mean being fearless: it means trying again after a tumble. It also offers a subtle, positive depiction of a blended family support system.