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
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What Teachers Are Saying
“Rataezyk's book, Perseverant Piper, is skillfully written for elementary students and an amazing resource to use when teaching about perseverance. The main character is relatable across all grades with her honesty and raw feelings. I am so excited to add this book to my classroom library.”
— Annamarie, Kindergarten Teacher
“Piper shows us it is ok to be out of our element and “not good” at everything right away. So many concepts we learn in school are transferable to our lives outside of the classroom walls. Perseverant Piper is an inspiring story for us all, young and old, to remember that life is about having fun, trying our best and never giving up.”
— Elizabeth, High School Biology Teacher
“It has phenomenal cross-curricular opportunities in both Science and ELA. We further researched the many Washington plant and wildlife terms found in the story. The story’s theme reaches deeply into the skills of determination and growth that every student, and even teacher, can relate to it! I read this to my students before we started state testing and they felt what it was like to, “make the courageous choice to ignore the convincing, defeated voice.”
— Elayna, 5th Grade Teacher
Illustrated by:
Arianna Gilligan
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.
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!
