Riley

Name: Riley
ISBN: 9798636462606

For the child who needs to learn that even heroes can strike out sometimes. This rhythmic classic explores the high stakes of sports and the sting of losing.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the crushing weight of high expectations or the public sting of a failure. Whether it is a missed goal on the soccer field or a poor grade on a test they studied hard for, this classic poem provides a safe space to discuss how even the most talented and confident individuals can fall short of the mark. It is an essential tool for de-stigmatizing the experience of losing. The story follows the legendary Casey, a baseball hero whose supreme confidence and ego lead him to a surprising and humbling moment at the plate. Through its rhythmic and dramatic verse, the book explores themes of pride, the pressure of performance, and the reality that life does not always have a Hollywood ending. It is a perfect choice for teaching resilience and showing children that one bad day does not define their worth.

Baseball & Tee Ball Embarrassment Pride & Accomplishment Shame & Guilt History Starting a New Activity Sports

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

The ending is a disappointment for the protagonist and the crowd.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals primarily with public failure and the deflation of a hero's ego. The approach is secular and realistic, showing that even in a mock-heroic setting, failure has consequences. The resolution is famously ambiguous regarding Casey's future, but realistic in its portrayal of the game's outcome.