• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Through the teachings of their sensei, Riley and his classmates come to understand that aikido is not about winning or losing or about being perfect.

In the dojo, Riley meets boys who are much rougher than he is and a girl who is tougher than all the rest of them put together. For Wafaa, aikido is not her first choice. She was disqualified from competing in judo for wearing a hijab.From the first time she steps on the mat, it's clear she is far more skilled than anyone expected.

Sensei shows them all how to tap into their inner strength and find their place in the universe.

John Corr has a third-degree black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido as well as a PhD in English from McMaster University. He lives in Hamilton, Ontario, with his wife and three sons.

John Corr's profile page

• Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads
• Short-listed, Hamilton Arts Council Literary Awards
• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets - Honorable Mention
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

&quotAddressing mental health with empathy…an unexpected lesson that shows 'learning to fall' is an important step in developing resilience.&quot

Kirkus Reviews

"Ideal for martial arts fans looking for fiction that reflects their world, or else fictional guidance on relieving anxiety. Recommended."

School Library Connection

"An interesting and engaging fast-paced read with strong, positive messages about self-control, self-improvement, and self-discipline."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials