On Guard

Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by the achievements of their siblings or peers and is struggling to find their own identity. Fourth-grader Mikey lives in a household full of high achievers, and he often feels like the odd one out. When he discovers fencing, he finally finds a pursuit that feels uniquely his, though the journey involves navigating jealousy and the hard work of learning a new skill. This gentle story is perfect for children ages 8 to 11 who are searching for self-confidence. It masterfully explores the nuances of sibling rivalry and the internal pressure kids put on themselves to be special. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's need for individual recognition while modeling healthy perseverance.