Ages: 9-13 Book
Mighty Mike Bounces Back
A Boy’s Life With Epilepsy
By Robert Skead and Michael Simmel
Synopsis
Mike has epilepsy and sometimes it’s hard to feel like a “real” kid. He is scared of letting other people know about his disease—or even worse, being seen having a seizure! He is often worried and afraid of what other people will think.
Soon Mike’s father buys him a basketball, and things begin to change. Mike starts playing basketball at his school, at home—everywhere! Through his growing love and talent for basketball, Mike learns to overcome his worries and to be courageous in the face of obstacles including his epilepsy.
Co-written by a real-life basketball star with epilepsy, Mighty Mike Bounces Back is an empowering story written to help kids learn to deal with adversity and to take control of their life.
About the Authors
Mike Simmel (“Mighty Mike”) is a Professional Show Basketball player with the Harlem Wizards entertainment basketball team since 2001. He is also one of three million Americans living with epilepsy and started The Bounce Out the Stigma Project, Inc a non-profit headlined by its summer basketball camps for children with disabilities. Mike, a national spokesperson for epilepsy awareness, is the winner of the 2009 TOYA (Ten Outstanding Young Americans) Award given by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Robert Skead is the author of several popular children’s sports books, including Safe at Home-A Baseball Card Mystery and Elves Can’t Dunk. When he is not at work or crafting stories, Robert can often be found at schools speaking with children and adults about creative writing and the importance of discovering one’s talent for a fulfilled life. Through these author visits, Robert speaks to more than 5,000 students per year.