GYM CLASS ZERO
WRITTEN by
AMIL HECTOR
Chase Thompson has always felt like gym class was a televised event with him as the unwilling star of every awkward moment. Dodgeballs feel like heat-seeking missiles, his sneakers never stay tied, and anxiety follows him onto the court like an overzealous coach.
But sixth grade is different. Or at least, it starts to be. After one too many meltdowns, missed catches, and desperate attempts to fade into the background, Chase meets a new student just as anxious as he is and a coach who sees more in him than just sweaty palms and shaky hands. With a few kind words, some epic wipeouts, and a slowly growing group of friends, Chase begins to realize that maybe, just maybe, gym class isn’t about being the fastest or strongest. Maybe it’s about showing up even when you’re terrified.
Gym Class Zero is a funny, heartfelt, and honest story about social anxiety, friendship, and the courage it takes to find your place one kickball at a time. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, New Kid, and Wonder.
edUCATORS
The genre of this book is Middle Grade Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
Here's how it's categorized:
Middle Grade – Aimed at readers roughly ages 8–12 (typically grades 4–7), with a relatable protagonist around the same age.
Contemporary – Set in the present day, with current social dynamics, school life, and real-world situations.
Realistic Fiction – The events could actually happen, and the story focuses on emotional growth, friendship, school challenges, and self-discovery.
This book falls squarely into that sweet spot of helping kids navigate emotional development, anxiety, self-esteem, and friendship through humor and heart.
"Gym Class Zero" is a compelling narrative that explores the challenges of anxiety and self-doubt in middle school students. The story sensitively portrays Chase's journey as he confronts his fears in gym class and develops greater confidence. It offers valuable insights into the importance of:
* Overcoming Anxiety: The story realistically depicts the emotional struggles some students face with anxiety, providing an opportunity for discussion and empathy.
* The Impact of Encouragement: Coach A's positive influence highlights the power of support and constructive feedback from adults.
* Building Self-Esteem: Chase's journey emphasizes that self-esteem is not fixed but can grow through effort, practice, and positive experiences.
* The Value of Friendship: The development of supportive friendships is shown as a key factor in Chase's emotional growth and sense of belonging.
* Promoting Inclusion: The narrative promotes the importance of creating inclusive environments where all students feel valued and supported, regardless of their athletic abilities.
This story can be a valuable tool for fostering meaningful conversations about mental health, resilience, and the importance of building a supportive community within the school environment. Below, you will find lesson plans designed to help educators guide students through these themes, providing structured activities that promote both academic growth and social-emotional development.