Puck Panic

This chapter book from Jake Maddox and Emma Carlson Berne tackles the common experience of a young athlete facing a setback. Calvin, a 12-year-old hockey player, struggles with fear and anxiety after a hard bodycheck. The story explores his internal battle to regain confidence and his place on the team. It handles the sensitive topic of sports-related fear and performance anxiety directly, offering a relatable emotional arc that starts with worry and moves towards resilience. This book is ideal for early to late elementary readers, especially those who play team sports or are reluctant readers looking for a fast-paced, engaging story. Parents might reach for this when their child is dealing with a sports injury, performance anxiety, or a dip in self-confidence. The book provides a good starting point for conversations about bravery, perseverance, and the emotional side of competitive activities.