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by Martha Renee Kenady (Author)
Holy Moly - Building Grit is an encouraging, emotionally honest picture book that helps children understand what it really means to keep going when something feels hard. When Sally Emiline faces a moment that doesn't go the way she hoped, she feels that familiar rush of frustration, disappointment, and "I can't do this." Her first reaction is big and real-one of those "holy moly" moments where everything feels too much at once. But instead of giving up, Sally begins to discover what grit looks like in everyday life: slowing down, taking a breath, trying again, and finding strength she didn't know she had.
Through expressive illustrations and warm, relatable storytelling, this book gives young readers a safe way to explore perseverance. Sally's journey shows that grit isn't about being perfect or getting things right the first time-it's about effort, courage, and the small brave steps that help us grow. Children see that mistakes are part of learning, that frustration is normal, and that trying again builds confidence from the inside out.
Perfect for families, classrooms, counselors, and anyone supporting children's emotional development, Holy Moly - Building Grit opens the door to meaningful conversations about resilience, determination, and the power of sticking with something even when it feels challenging. As part of the Sally Emiline series, this story continues the mission of helping children build emotional literacy through experiences that feel true to their world. It's a reassuring, empowering book that reminds kids they are capable, strong, and never alone in the hard moments that help them grow.
