August 15, 2024
A boy seeks himself within a family of big personalities. Ever since he broke his wrist, 11-year-old Korean Canadian Evan Park has been able to avoid his overbearing father's questions about returning to team sports. Evan's headstrong older sister, Lydia, has her gymnastics trophies, his little sister, Georgia, is busy being a cute 3-year-old, and Evan feels lost: "I just want to find something forme." His physiotherapist suggests training for the junior division of the Dominator Ninja competition that's coming up in a few months. Excited by the YouTube videos he sees, Evan feels he's finally found something he's chosen for himself and that he can excel at, so he starts building an obstacle course in his backyard to practice in. The straightforward, accessibly written narrative reveals the family's sometimes fraught dynamics, as Evan's laidback mom and traditionally hypermasculine dad each support him in their own ways. When Evan sprains his newly healed wrist, Lydia suggests the Parks enter the family team event of an upcoming "super muddy" obstacle course contest called Soiled Pants. The training process helps Evan understand what Lydia means about finding "the sweet spot" between "being competitive and doing your best, all while not being a jerk." When Soiled Pants arrives, the Parks must rely on true collaboration. While some elements of the resolution feel pat, Evan's dilemma is relatable, and the story offers an entertaining look at serious issues. A fun-filled romp grounded in love, family, and plenty of mud.(Fiction. 9-12)
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