
Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant change in their extracurricular life or struggling with the pressure of high expectations. It is particularly helpful for children who feel they must choose between two passions or are navigating the transition to a more competitive environment. Through Lila's journey, the story addresses the emotional weight of 'starting over' and the courage required to be a beginner again. Lila Monetti is a talented gymnast who finds herself at a crossroads when she heads to a summer camp that combines her love for gymnastics with a new interest in horseback riding. The narrative explores themes of resilience, the importance of supportive friendships, and the process of finding one's unique voice within a team. It is a gentle yet empowering read for the 8 to 12 age group, offering a realistic look at the social dynamics and internal pressures today's girls face. Parents will appreciate how the book models healthy risk-taking and self-advocacy. It serves as a great conversation starter about balancing hard work with joy, and how to handle the inevitable setbacks that come with learning something new.
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Sign in to write a reviewA few scenes involving horse riding mishaps or athletic falls that may cause brief tension.
The book handles themes of identity and perfectionism in a secular, direct manner. There are no major tragedies; rather, the focus is on the everyday anxieties of middle-grade life. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, emphasizing personal growth over winning.
A 9 or 10-year-old girl who is a high-achiever in sports or academics and is starting to feel the 'burnout' or pressure of perfectionism. It is for the child who needs to know it is okay to be a novice at something new.
No specific scenes require prior vetting. The book is very safe for independent reading, though parents might want to discuss the scene where Lila feels pressured by her peers to take a risk she isn't ready for. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I'm not good at this anymore,' or 'I want to quit because I'm not the best,' or seeing their child retreat from a social circle due to a lack of confidence.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the excitement of the horses and the camp setting. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuances of the social cliques and the internal pressure of maintaining an identity.
Unlike many sports books that focus on winning the 'big game,' this one focuses on the transition between identities and the bravery required to step away from what is comfortable to try something new.
Lila Monetti is a competitive gymnast who attends an intensive summer camp where she is introduced to equestrian sports. The story follows her as she navigates the hierarchy of a new social group, manages the physical and mental demands of two different sports, and learns to overcome her fear of failure in a new arena. The plot focuses on her internal growth and the development of her identity outside of being just 'the gymnast.'
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.