Page Publishing author Alexander L. Walden Sr. continues the Mia’s Adventures series with “The Big Leap,” following young Mia as she trades the racetrack for the gymnastics mat, and discovers that a brand-new challenge can bring brand-new nerves, even after a hard-earned win.

A longtime advocate for children’s hospital research and an avid traveler, swimmer, and golfer, Walden Sr. draws on these same themes of resilience and heart to explore what happens when confidence meets the unfamiliar.

“After her success in the race, Mia feels ready for anything,” Walden Sr. explains. “But stepping onto the mat for the first time brings a whole new set of worries. She wonders if she’s good enough, if she’ll make mistakes, if she’s really ready for her first competition. With support from her mom and her friends, Mia comes to understand that being all in isn’t about getting everything right, it’s about having the courage to try, even when you’re scared of getting it wrong.”