Now We're Talking

Name: Now We're Talking
ISBN: 9780689819278

Angel Park All-Stars Series · Book 1 of 6

For the child struggling with self-doubt and team dynamics, this book follows a seventh grader as he confronts his quirky habit to regain pitching confidence.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with performance anxiety, a quirky habit, or the sting of peer judgment. It's a great choice for any young person who is starting to feel intense pressure in sports, academics, or social situations. "Now We're Talking" tells the story of Ollie, a talented seventh-grade pitcher whose habit of talking to himself on the mound starts giving away his pitches. This relatable story compassionately explores themes of self-doubt, resilience, and the complexities of teamwork. It's an accessible and quick read for ages 10 to 14, perfectly modeling how to creatively solve a problem and rebuild confidence one step at a time.

Self-Confidence & Identity Sports Resilience & Perseverance School Life Friendship & Loyalty Friendship & Social Teamwork & Collaboration Peer Pressure

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Deals with peer conflict, feelings of failure, and a character's intense self-doubt and anxiety.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals directly with performance anxiety, peer pressure, and mild bullying (taunting, exclusion, and intense anger from teammates). The approach is secular and grounded in realistic middle-school social dynamics. The conflict is not sugarcoated, but the resolution is hopeful and earned. Ollie develops a new coping mechanism and re-establishes a working relationship with his teammates, which is a realistic and positive outcome.