{"product_id":"catch-the-ball-9798889070177","title":"Catch the Ball!","description":"\u003cb\u003eEzekiel is such a sure-handed receiver, he's always chosen first when teams are picked for football.\u003c\/b\u003e He's even earned the nickname EZ, short for endzone, because he catches so many touchdown passes. \u003cb\u003eHis good buddy, Joel, however, always gets picked last.\u003c\/b\u003e For a reason. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e The football was thrown in a tight spiral, soaring straight to Joel. Caching it would mean victory. As Joel reached out, the ball bounced off his fingertips and hung in the air. Joel stretched his arms out further, but the ball slipped through his hands and hit the ground with a thud. Joel was deflated. EZ was annoyed and, out of frustration, yelled, \"Catch the ball!\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e It was that moment of disappointment and disbelief that would eventually lead the boys to realize they have the same problem - neither is having any fun. \u003cb\u003eJoel can't keep his head in the game or concentrate because he's too worried about messing up and getting yelled at by teammates. EZ hates the pressure that comes from everyone expecting him to always be at the top of his game.\u003c\/b\u003e Even his league coach repeatedly tells him to \"catch the ball,\" which has taken all the fun out of playing his favorite sport. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor very different reasons, Joel and EZ struggle with peer pressure, self-doubt, and stress.\u003c\/b\u003e But instead of turning to grownups for answers and help, they turn to each other for a solution. Can they work together to come up with a successful plan that will allow them to reclaim the confidence and sense of fun they've lost? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eCatch the Ball!\u003c\/i\u003e isn't a story about winning on the gridiron. Rather, it's \u003cb\u003ea lesson about life and harnessing the power of empathy, courage, and perseverance to become a more independent problem solver and an even better friend. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e This is the first title in author Bryan Smith's new \u003ci\u003eKids Can Do It Too! \u003c\/i\u003eseries, written for students in grades 1-6, and includes \u003cb\u003ea special page for parents and educators on how to encourage children to develop independent problem-solving and decision-making skills.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Bryan Smith is an award-winning author who comes from a family of educators. Bryan began his career as an elementary school teacher before realizing he had a talent for helping children deal with difficult issues. He has since become a school counselor, where he flourishes teaching students life skills that will take them far and help them succeed. He has written several popular series for young readers, including \u003ci\u003eExecutive FUNction, Stepping Up Social Skills, Without Limits, \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eSocial Strategies.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e Bryan Smith comes from a family of educators. He has worked in education for over 20 years. Bryan began his career as an elementary school teacher before realizing he had a passion for helping children deal with difficult issues. He has since spent more than 15 years as an elementary school counselor, where he teaches students life skills that will help them succeed. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Through his writing, Bryan hopes to motivate, educate and inspire children. His stories address topics like sportsmanship, executive functions, self-control and self acceptance. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e When he isn't working as a school counselor or writing, Bryan enjoys coaching his two boys in baseball. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Boys Town Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50900299284754,"sku":"9798889070177","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e7715ae5-73d8-4a30-adf0-84559a51c7bb.jpg?v=1738378976","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/catch-the-ball-9798889070177","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}