Rafa: My Story – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Rafa: My Story

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2011

84%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

Rafael Nadal's humble, heart-on-sleeve memoir about family, grit, and becoming a tennis legend—perfect for young sports fans.

Rafa: My Story

book

2011

84%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

Rafael Nadal's humble, heart-on-sleeve memoir about family, grit, and becoming a tennis legend—perfect for young sports fans.

4.5

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, wholesome pick for young sports fans—especially if your kid is into tennis or looking for a real-life hero who isn't a superhero or a YouTuber. Nadal's humility and family-first attitude shine through, and the memoir delivers genuine lessons about perseverance and sportsmanship without being preachy.

That said, it's not a page-turner if your kid isn't already interested in tennis. The narrative is straightforward and episodic, and some of the 2011 references may feel dated. But for the right reader—say, an 8- to 12-year-old who watches Wimbledon with you or dreams of being a pro athlete—it's inspiring, safe, and genuinely enriching.

Bottom line: a great addition to the bookshelf for young athletes or anyone who needs a reminder that hard work and family support matter more than raw talent.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8–14, especially kids who play tennis or follow sports. The conversational tone and middle-grade length make it accessible for younger readers, while the real-life lessons and match details will appeal to middle schoolers. Teens and adults who love tennis may also enjoy it, but it's squarely aimed at young fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Nadal's memoir is grounded in family values, humility, and perseverance. The conversational 'boy-next-door' voice keeps the tone warm and relatable. Brief mentions of injuries and a 2009 family crisis are handled matter-of-factly without drama or graphic detail. The narrative consistently emphasizes gratitude, hard work, and the central role of his uncle Toni and his parents—exactly the kind of role-model content parents look for.

Imaginative

As a straightforward sports memoir, it doesn't invite creative expression or world-building. The behind-the-scenes match details (like the 2008 Wimbledon final) offer some strategic insight into tennis, and the Mallorcan childhood anecdotes add color, but the book is primarily a linear, real-life narrative. It sparks curiosity about dedication and athletic achievement rather than imaginative play.

Safe

No mature themes, violence, or inappropriate content. The mentions of injuries and family problems are presented in a wholesome, age-appropriate way. The 3.95/5 library rating and parent reviews confirm it's a safe pick for middle-grade readers. Books are generally safe by nature, and this one has zero red flags.

Enriching

Strong lessons in resilience, sportsmanship, and the value of a support system. Readers get a real-world example of how talent + discipline + family = success, plus tactical insights into professional tennis. The memoir is inspiring without being preachy, and the 'memorable anecdotes' keep it engaging. It's a solid pick for kids interested in sports or looking for a relatable hero, though it won't transform their worldview.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Real-world model of humility, hard work, and resilience—Nadal's 'boy-next-door' voice makes him feel like a friend, not a distant celebrity
Behind-the-scenes details of epic matches (like the 2008 Wimbledon final) give young readers tactical insight into professional tennis
Strong emphasis on family support and values—Uncle Toni's coaching philosophy and the Nadal family's grounding influence are central themes
Accessible middle-grade read that's both inspiring and entertaining, with a 4.5/5 Amazon rating and solid library reviews

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What to Watch For

Brief mentions of injuries and a 2009 'family problems' period—handled sensitively, but worth a heads-up if your kid is anxious about setbacks
It's a linear sports memoir, not a page-turner adventure—best for kids already interested in tennis or athlete biographies
Published in 2011, so some references (especially to matches and rivals) may feel dated to readers who aren't tennis diehards

Conversation Starters

"Rafa talks a lot about his Uncle Toni's tough coaching style. Do you think being pushed hard by family is helpful or too much pressure?"
"What do you think makes someone a good sport? How does Rafa show respect for his opponents even when he's winning?"
"Rafa says his family kept him grounded even when he got famous. What are some ways your family helps you stay yourself?"
"If you could ask Rafa one question about his career, what would it be?"

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