TENACIOUS WON'T GIVE UP

A child struggles to ride her bike.

Tenacious has always lived up to her name, whether walking to a waterfall when her legs are tired or climbing to the “tippy-top of the tire swing.” And now she’s determined to ride her bike in the Wheel Parade. Although she does her best to maintain her balance, Tenacious keeps crashing—and the parade is this afternoon! Fortunately, Tenacious’ sister, Sage, knows “a thing or two about riding around on wheels.” Sage, a talented wheelchair basketball player, suggests that instead of trying her hardest, Tenacious try her “smartest.” For Sage, that means visualizing making a successful basket, practicing, and adjusting her technique as needed. Following Sage’s example, Tenacious imagines herself pedaling with the other kids, and when she “wiggle[s]” and “wobble[s]” and “weave[s],” she, like Sage, “lean[s] a little left” and “rotate[s] a little right.” Soon, Tenacious is pedaling around the neighborhood—and, as the parade begins, even challenging Sage to a race. Hatch’s sunny cartoon illustrations readily convey Tenacious’ resolve and frustration. Vaughan’s portrayal of a disabled sibling as a supportive mentor rather than an opportunity to explain disabilities shows welcome representation, and readers of all abilities will find Sage’s advice helpful as they practice their own endeavors. Tenacious and Sage have light skin; background characters are racially diverse.

A practical and refreshingly inclusive take on persistence.