
Reach for this book when your child feels overwhelmed by group play or struggles to remember the steps of a game at recess. It is specifically designed for children who experience working memory challenges or neurodivergence, offering a compassionate look at why some brains process playground rules differently. The story follows Joey, a boy who loves superheroes but finds it difficult to keep up when his friends play a complex game with too many instructions. Through a relatable school setting, the book explores themes of self-confidence and belonging for children ages 5 to 8. It is an excellent choice for parents who want to validate their child's frustration while providing a clear, hopeful path toward finding their own unique strengths in a social group.
The book addresses neurodivergence and learning differences (specifically working memory) through a secular, realistic lens. The approach is direct but gentle, framing the disability not as a deficit but as a different way of processing. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on self-advocacy and peer acceptance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 6 or 7-year-old child who frequently comes home from school saying 'nobody will play with me' because they feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced nature of group sports or imaginative play.
This book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss what 'working memory' means using the helpful notes at the back of the book. A parent hears their child say 'I'm stupid' or 'I'm bad at games' because they couldn't remember which base to run to or what 'mode' they were supposed to be in during a game of pretend.
Younger children (5-6) will identify with the feeling of being left out. Older children (7-8) will better grasp the specific mechanics of Joey's struggle with instructions and the strategy he uses to help himself.
Unlike many books on 'inclusion' that focus on general kindness, this book is written by a psychologist and targets a very specific cognitive function (working memory), making it an invaluable clinical and domestic tool.
Joey is excited to play with his friends on the playground, but he quickly becomes discouraged when a new game involving complex superhero rules leaves him confused. He struggles to hold the multi-step instructions in his head, leading to a sense of failure and isolation. With the help of a supportive adult and his own ingenuity, Joey learns to adapt the situation. He discovers that while his working memory might function differently, he has other 'superpowers' like creativity and observation that allow him to contribute to the group in his own way.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.