Screwball

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are permanently stuck in the shadow of a high-achieving sibling or peer, particularly if a physical limitation or learning difference makes them feel like an outsider. Mike and Patrick are twins, but while Patrick is the golden boy athlete, Mike is left behind by the physical toll of polio. Mike's journey is not about 'fixing' his body, but about finding a domain, engineering and racing, where his mind and hands can shine independently of his brother's success. This story is a classic middle-grade exploration of identity and self-worth. It handles the nuances of sibling jealousy and the frustration of physical disability with realistic grit rather than easy sentimentality. At roughly 200 pages, it is an accessible read for ages 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's need to be seen for their unique talents, even when those talents look different from the traditional 'all-star' mold.