The Wimp

A parent would reach for this book when their child expresses a deep sense of being the bad kid or the black sheep who cannot seem to get anything right despite having a loving home. It speaks to the internal struggle of a child who feels cursed or fundamentally different from their successful, hard-working family members. The story follows Johnny from his early school years into young manhood as he navigates a series of obstacles that challenge his self-perception and force personal growth. While it deals with heavy themes of shame and the feeling of being a disappointment, it ultimately serves as a powerful tool for normalizing the difficult journey of finding one's identity. It is best suited for children aged 8 to 12 who are beginning to grapple with their place in the family hierarchy and the pressure of external expectations. Parents will appreciate the book's honesty about how even well-meaning families can inadvertently struggle to connect with a child who marches to a different, more difficult beat.