What if you miss? What if you fall?
Better question: What if you fly?
In Buckets and Bravery, 9-year-old author Arnold Hines Jr. brings you into the mind of a young athlete standing at the edge of his first big game-and his biggest fear. With butterflies in his belly and doubt in his heart, Arnold faces a choice that every kid understands: let fear take the ball... or take the shot anyway.
From backyard hoop dreams to real gym buzzer-beaters, this uplifting picture book celebrates:
- The power of family support
- What real courage looks like in kids
- Black boy joy and representation on and off the court
With vivid, emotion-filled illustrations and a voice rooted in lived experience, Buckets and Bravery is perfect for:
- Young readers ages 5-10
- School libraries & classroom story time
- Parents, teachers, and coaches who believe in kids
If your child has ever felt nervous, quiet, or unsure-this book is their reminder:
Bravery doesn't mean you're not scared.
It means you showed up anyway.