The Half-Court Hero

Reach for this book when your child is facing performance anxiety, struggling with their role on a team, or feeling overshadowed by more talented peers. It is the perfect tool for the young athlete who loves the game but worries they are not the star player, or for any child navigating the social dynamics of school sports. The story follows Gus, a boy who loves basketball but struggles with confidence, especially when he feels he is only a role player compared to his flashy teammate, Cass. Through Mike Lupica's trademark sports writing, the book explores how true success comes from teamwork and reliability rather than just individual glory. At just under 100 pages with accessible language, it is an ideal choice for elementary readers who need a boost in self-esteem and a reminder that every member of a group has value. It turns a stressful sports moment into a lesson on grit and friendship.