What happens when volleyball, science, friendship, and a whole lot of laughter meet on the same court?
In Bump, Set, Science!, Larkin and her friend Madeline are ready for a volleyball season filled with serves, bumps, spikes, surprising mistakes, and plenty of giggles. With Coach Allie and Coach Nancy guiding them along the way, every practice becomes an opportunity to discover something new.
As Larkin learns volleyball skills, she also begins discovering the science happening all around her. Why does gravity bring a tossed volleyball back toward the floor? How does force change the speed and direction of a serve? How do muscles, balance, reaction time, and coordination help players jump, move, and respond to the ball?
The answers become part of the action as science concepts are naturally woven into practices and games.
But becoming a volleyball player takes more than understanding how a ball moves. Larkin and Madeline experience exciting wins, frustrating mistakes, nervous moments, and disappointing losses. Along the way, they learn that good teammates communicate, encourage one another, show respect, and keep trying when something feels difficult.
Filled with playful humor and relatable sports moments, Bump, Set, Science! introduces young readers to concepts involving motion, force, gravity, muscles, balance, coordination, reaction time, volleyball fundamentals, teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and sportsmanship.
Perfect for young volleyball players, curious kids, sports families, elementary classrooms, physical education programs, STEM learning, homeschool lessons, coaches, and family read aloud time.
Because sometimes the best lessons happen when you bump, set, play, laugh, and try again!
Nana TraciOwner, Writer, Storyteller - Keepsake Verse StudioNana Traci is a scientist turned storyteller who believes curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child. With a background in biochemistry, public health, and clinical education, she spent years teaching complex science in labs and lecture halls. But everything shifted one Easter Sunday when she missed her grandchildren deeply and began writing a story just for them.What started as a simple act of love grew into a library of playful, heartwarming children's books that blend real science with imagination, kindness, and connection. Nana Traci writes to spark questions, inspire empathy, and help children see the beauty in learning and in one another. Her stories weave STEM concepts into cozy adventures, giving young readers both knowledge and emotional safety.As a mother and nana of five, she pours her whole heart into each page. She hopes her books become keepsakes that her grandchildren will one day share with their own children. Through Keepsake Verse Studio, Nana Traci creates stories that honor curiosity, celebrate differences, and remind readers of all ages that love and learning belong together.
Larkin Marin is a young children's author and curious adventurer who dives into both science and imagination. Whether she is exploring the ocean as a brilliant mermaid, learning about deep sea ecosystems, or discovering the magic hidden in everyday life, Larkin leads with wonder and courage. Her stories blend marine biology, environmental awareness, and emotional growth, encouraging children to ask questions and care deeply about the world around them. As a children's author with Keepsake Verse Studio, Larkin represents thoughtful curiosity, quiet confidence, and the beauty of seeing clearly both with your eyes and your heart.
