Throwing Smoke

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is struggling with the pressure to perform or when they are using escapism to cope with feelings of inadequacy in sports or school. This story follows Whiz, a baseball player whose team is struggling, who begins writing a fictional newsletter that invents a superstar pitcher to boost morale. It is a nuanced look at the power of imagination and the ethical gray areas of 'fake it til you make it' mentalities. The book explores themes of integrity, the weight of expectations, and the importance of finding confidence in reality rather than just in fantasy. It is perfectly suited for children aged 10 to 14 who are navigating the transition from childhood play to more competitive environments. Parents will appreciate how it handles the psychological complexities of leadership and the temptation to create a perfect persona to hide behind.