The Switch - by Jesse Byrd

Book Synopsis

The Switch A Lesson in Humility and Teamwork for Young Readers
Dive into the inspiring story of Kibwe, the star player on his second-grade basketball team, whose talent and success on the court begin to inflate his ego. As Kibwe's confidence morphs into overconfidence, his behavior starts to affect his relationships with his teammates and friends. Realizing the need for a change, Kibwe's dad steps in with a surprising plan to teach his son a valuable lesson in humility and teamwork.

Key Features:
Engaging Storyline: Follow Kibwe's journey as he learns the importance of humility, respect, and collaboration both on and off the basketball court.
Relatable Characters: Young readers will see themselves in Kibwe and his friends, making the story more impactful and memorable.
Life Lessons: The narrative emphasizes essential values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and the balance between confidence and humility.

Benefits for Young Readers:
Character Development: Children will learn important social skills and the value of humility through Kibwe's experiences.
Encourages Positive Behavior: The story promotes positive interaction with peers and the importance of being a team player.
Builds Reading Confidence: The relatable plot and approachable language help young readers develop their reading skills and enjoy storytelling.

The Switch is perfect for young basketball enthusiasts, parents, and educators seeking a fun yet meaningful story that teaches life lessons through sports.

About the Author

Jesse Byrd is an international award-winning children's book author and the youngest NPR Board member. At 6'8", Jesse pivoted from playing basketball at UCSB to pursue his passion for storytelling. After working at Google in Silicon Valley and later EY in Dubai as Director of Communications for Middle East and North Africa, Jesse turned all of his energy toward his deepest love: making stories for youth and families with a focus on supporting diverse creators and #own voices material. He's written six children's books and helped produce over 40 others as an editor, art director, and publishing consultant. Jesse is based in Los Angeles, CA. Yonson Carbonell is a cartoonist and illustrator from the Dominican Republic. As a graduate of Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), he specializes in illustration, character design, comics, digital coloring, plus traditional and digital inking.