Two Wins for Wiley

by Karen Patricia Nespoli, Karen Patricia Nespoli, Carissa Harris (Illustrations)

Wiley is his baseball team’s best hitter. With the play-offs around the corner, the pressure is on for Wiley to practice hard and play his best. But there’s one big problem.

Wiley suffers from frequent stomach aches, and they’re only getting worse.

When his coach suggests that he tries acupuncture, Wiley must make a difficult decision. He can either face his fear of needles and get better for the big game, or risk losing the play-offs as he watches from the sidelines.

Will Wiley conquer his fears and bring his team to victory?

Genres: Sports

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2022

Reviews

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiley is a great baseball player, but he suffers from bad stomach aches. His coach recommends that he sees Dr. Cait, an acupuncturist, to treat his stomach aches. Dr. Cait is nice, but when she mentions that she uses needles as part of her treatment, Wiley becomes nervous. But Dr. Cait explains the process and gently convinces Wiley to try it. Not only does the treatment work, but he is able to play, and excel, in the championship game.

Two Wins for Wiley is a fun and educational story about acupuncture treatment in relation to general ailments and injuries. It clearly explains the process and the idea of alternative medicine that is not usually considered. Co-authored by a mother and daughter team, one being a licensed acupuncturist, the story is the perfect mixture of fun and fact that solves a relatable conflict in a very unique and entertaining way.

You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/two-w...

[Roxanne Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiley wakes up with stomach aches and doesn't know what to do. Every child (and adult) can relate to this problem. The story shows concern by everyone in his life, from family to playmates, including his coach. The story dispels fears about acupuncture, putting a child at ease for something that can be a hard sell! With easy-to-understand explanations and beautiful and engaging illustrations, young readers walk through something that is actually complicated to administer (3-4 years of study!). However, in an accessible way, we come to understand a lesser-known topic. This book is important for children who will have acupuncture and, overall, as an explanation of a fascinating field. Backmatter reinforces learning with fun facts and additional knowledge, including a table showing how acupuncture compares with traditional medicine. This book makes alternative medicine accessible and shows young readers its value.

[Chelsea DiCicco · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWO WINS FOR WILEY is a helpful story for children who may be experiencing problems (like stomach aches) that could be benefited by medical help. In this story, they avenue they take is acupuncture, but any kind of medical help could apply.

Things I loved:
I loved that the author included an author’s note at the end. Hearing about her history as an educator and learning about her daughter, who is an acupuncturist and actually co-authored the story was a nice touch too.

I also am a sucker for any kind of education fun facts or backmatter, so adding that information at the end was a bonus. I think this could do really well in an educational market like schools, libraries, and even doctors offices and hospital gift shops.

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWO WINS FOR WILEY by Karen Patricia Nespoli and Caitlin Bree Kennedy is a delightful and educational story blending baseball and acupuncture themes. Wiley, a talented young baseball player, struggles with stomach pain, which affects his performance. When Dr. Cait, an acupuncturist, suggests tiny needles as a treatment, Wiley feels nervous. However, Dr. Cait gently explains the process, helping Wiley feel safe and comfortable. With his newfound confidence and improved health, Wiley hits a home run in his next game! This heartwarming story will resonate with young readers who love baseball and those who may feel anxious about visiting the doctor. The book skillfully combines sportsmanship and self-care, making it a great addition to homes and classrooms.

[Liliana Tommasini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two wins for Wiley is a well-written book and easy to understand for children.

Children need reassurance that they are in a safe place when seeing a medical professional. Most of them don't like needles (as some adults) and are scared of them.

I was impressed with how Dr. Cait made Wiley feel comfortable by showing him the article about how baseball players get acupuncture treatments and explaining the procedure. And of course, letting Wiley hold on to the baseball mitt he received as a gift from his father gave him more courage.

Two Wins for Wiley is also a good read for adults who are intimidated by needles.

[Kelly Birdsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun and Educational Book!

Wiley eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball. But when his stomach aches cause him pain, his coach recommends going to an acupuncturist. Although Wiley is afraid of needles, he realizes the treatments are not painful and learns from Dr. Cait how acupuncture can help him feel better. TWO WINS FOR WILEY tells a great message about overcoming fear. The colorful illustrations bring this story to life. Highly recommended! *I received an early digital copy from the author.

[Ali DeMoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Two Wins for Wiley, and think the idea for the book itself is creative. Introducing kids to the uses of acupuncture is a very neat idea and I think getting introduced to this practice was done in a relatable way that kids can connect with. Recommend for parents with kids considering acupuncture treatment!

[Jen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acupuncture is now widely accepted as an effective treatment but this book delves in to the little know benefits of acupuncture for kids! Co-written with the author's daughter, an acupuncturist, the story informs and enlightens while being engaging and relatable as we cheer Wiley's dreams of overcoming his health challenges to win a baseball game.

[Lea Maryanow · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Two Wins for Wiley" is a great book for children to learn about alternative medicine such as acupuncture. I loved that the authors added facts about acupuncture at the end of the book as well as a personal letter to parents. Great book for anyone interested to learn more about acupuncture!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Wins For Wiley is a kid friendly approach to acupuncture and I can see it being a great resource for parents seeking out this particular treatment for their children. There is an authenticity to the book which shines through.

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWO WINS FOR WILEY is an incredibly well-written book that introduces young children to the wonderful benefits of acupuncture. It offers supportive tools, detailed, yet accessible information, and a lovable character. I recommend this book to EVERYONE!

[Angel Gantnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. I like how the book included back matter.

[Katie Reinert · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wiley’s chronic stomach aches become a problem, he turned to acupuncture to get help. This baseball-themed book does a great job of introducing acupuncture to young readers in a fun way.