Meet Piper, a rugged Pacific Northwest nature-loving 4th grader, who struggles in school. The numbers on her math quiz dance and prance all over the page until she feels like giving up. Though she is encouraged by her teacher to embody the word of the week “persevere,” it’s not until she’s on a backpacking adventure that she truly understands the work required to overcome a challenge. Join Piper as she trades her unlucky pencil for her beloved, muddy hiking boots, and heads out for an Olympic National Park coastal exploration. Usually, the woods is where she feels the most at peace, but this trip becomes more than towering Douglas Firs and chew chews of Northern Flickers when the unexpected sand wall she encounters forces her to grip a little tighter, and truly persevere
Want to buy a copy?
A Note from the Author
Have you ever spent an entire day pursuing your passion only to lose focus within minutes on a seemingly mundane task? Why is it that we can commit hours perfecting a skill on the field, stage, or behind a computer screen but then so quickly hit walls of defeat in the classroom? As a Nationally Board Certified elementary educator, I witness this lack of grit daily. Our children are capable of such great success but haven’t yet learned to transfer their grit and work ethic into areas other than those of which they are incredibly passionate.
I hope Piper’s story will help children all over the world face their challenges head-on with confidence. By committing the same dedication and work ethic that we do in our favorite tasks, we can overcome our greatest fears. We grow into our best selves in these moments of discomfort. I’m so proud of you already for making an effort!
Arianna Gilligan is a sensitive and creative soul based in the Midwest. Her Latin American heritage and passion for the outdoors inspire her artistic vision. Her introspective nature fuels her artistic expression, allowing her to delve deep into emotions and experiences. A lover of spicy food, Arianna finds inspiration in the simple pleasures: a steaming cup of coffee, the warmth of love, and the joy of transforming her home with second-hand treasures. When she’s not lost in her art, she seeks solace in nature, photography, and travel.