Ten Thousand Tries

Reach for this book when your child is facing a situation where hard work and determination simply are not enough to fix a problem, especially a family health crisis. Ten Thousand Tries follows Golden, a soccer obsessed boy who believes that if he just tries hard enough, he can master anything. However, he is forced to confront the reality of his father's ALS, a progressive disease that Golden cannot practice away or defeat with sheer willpower. This is a deeply moving story that balances the high energy of competitive sports with the quiet, often painful reality of anticipatory grief. It is appropriate for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are ready for a realistic look at chronic illness and the importance of letting go. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's desire for control while gently teaching that true strength often lies in acceptance and presence.