Willy the Scrub

Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'benchwarmer' or expresses frustration that they aren't naturally gifted in popular school activities. It addresses the specific sting of middle school tryouts and the pressure to fit into traditional athletic molds. The story follows Willy and his friends as they fail to make several sports teams, eventually discovering that their value and success can be found by carving their own unique path. It is a relatable, humorous, and grounded look at identity for children aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it validates the feeling of being 'not good enough' while modeling a healthy pivot toward personal interests. It shifts the focus from winning to the importance of finding where you truly belong, making it a perfect tool for building resilience and self-confidence during the transition into middle school.