Sports Camp

Reach for this book when your child is facing a situation where they feel physically outmatched or intimidated by more experienced peers. It is the perfect choice for a middle grader heading to sleepaway camp for the first time or starting a new sport where they aren't the star player. The story follows Riley, who is the youngest and smallest boy at a competitive summer sports camp. While the setting is high energy, the emotional core is about overcoming the 'small fish' syndrome and finding internal validation. It masterfully addresses the anxiety of wanting to belong while fearing you don't have what it takes to compete. Parents will appreciate how it models perseverance and the importance of personal growth over winning at all costs, making it a supportive read for children aged 8 to 12.