Gabe loves to play soccer. He's not the best player on the team, but he is the heart of the team. Read how the team comes together through adversity and triumph. The Heart of a Leader is the first book in the Be the Weight: Little Lessons for Big Leaders series, which inspires children to grow into courageous, kind, and capable leaders. Based on the principles of Be the Weight Behind the Spear, each beautifully illustrated story explores a core trait—leadership, integrity, empathy, and service and helps children discover that true leadership begins with doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. "Teach your children about standards and expectations. Teach them to look you straight in the eye and tell the truth." — Coach Krzyzewski, Former Duke University Basketball Coach Presentation at Duke University, Dec.15, 2016 The Heart of a Leader is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for parents and educators and is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Using a rigorous evaluation process, entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media trust the MCA Honoring Excellence seal when selecting quality products and services for families and children. The Heart of a Leader is a beautifully illustrated, emotionally resonant children's book that teaches young readers that true leadership begins on the inside—with kindness, empathy, courage, and responsibility. In a culture where children increasingly face anxiety, loneliness, and confusion about what leadership really means, this book provides a clear, uplifting message: leaders are those who lift others up, take ownership of their actions, and choose character over credit. Through a relatable story centered on a youth soccer team, the book shows how everyday decisions—helping a teammate, speaking up for fairness, showing resilience in the face of disappointment—shape children into compassionate, confident young leaders. The narrative emphasizes cooperation over competition and models inclusion, positive communication, and emotional intelligence. Each scene sparks natural conversations between parents, teachers, and children about how to be brave, kind, and considerate in real-life situations. Created by Emergency Physician and Air Force Reserve Colonel Dr. Josh McConkey, the book draws from decades of lifesaving medical work, military leadership, and mentoring the next generation. His experiences bring authenticity and depth to the story's message of service-centered leadership. Award-winning illustrator Joseph Yakovetic complements this vision with expressive, warm artwork that helps children understand feelings, relationships, and the impact of their choices. Designed for ages 6-9, The Heart of a Leader supports social-emotional learning (SEL) goals by providing relatable examples of empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and self-confidence. The story helps children see themselves as capable contributors to their families, schools, and communities—an essential foundation for healthy development. By encouraging children to embody integrity, take responsibility, and treat others with compassion, The Heart of a Leader directly aligns with the Mom's Choice Awards' mission to celebrate products that nurture excellence, emotional growth, and positive values. This book not only entertains, but equips young readers with lifelong tools to lead with heart. Mom's Choice Awards: PRINTED WORD REVIEWS The Heart of a Leader uses the story of a young soccer player named Gabe to teach children that true leadership isn't defined by talent or status, but by the integrity, courage, and service one brings to a team. The Heart of a Leader is a vibrant and purposeful children's book that serves as the foundational entry in Dr. Josh McConkey's "Little Lessons for Big Leaders" series. Moving away from the political and military prose of his adult memoir, McConkey uses the relatable world of youth sports to teach children that leadership is a matter of character, not just talent or title. The story follows a young soccer enthusiast named Gabe, but the real goal isn't found on the scoreboard—it's found in his character. While Gabe isn't the fastest runner or the highest scorer on his team, he possesses a rare quality: he is the "heart" of the group. Through a series of on-field challenges and moments of adversity, the book explores how Gabe's influence—driven by integrity, empathy, and courage—pulls his teammates together. The narrative moves beyond the "win-at-all-costs" mentality, focusing instead on how a single child's choice to do the right thing can transform the morale of an entire group. The "Weight Behind the Spear" philosophy, adapted for child