Book details

  • Genre:children's nonfiction
  • Sub-genre:Social Topics / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • Age Range (years):3 - 12
  • Language:English
  • Pages:32
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798317835408

Jayce Never Gives Up

By Maria Sikoutris-DiIorio, MA, Ed.S., MFT, LPC

Overview


This story was inspired by watching my granddaughter Jayce discover the courage that comes from trying, failing, and trying again. I wrote this book because I wanted children to know that mistakes aren't something to be afraid of — they're part of learning, growing, and becoming braver every day. Seeing Jayce fall off her bike, slip from the monkey bars, wobble on the balance beam, or get frustrated when things don't go perfectly remind me how strong children really are. Even when she got upset, she never gave up. She kept practicing, kept believing, and kept finding her own way to succeed — even if it meant wearing monkey-bar gloves and trying one more time. I wanted to capture that spirit in a story: the idea that nothing is bad when you're learning, and that believing in yourself can turn even the toughest moments into victories. Jayce inspired me to write a book that helps kids see that every fall, every wobble, every "ugh!" is just another step toward something amazing. This book is a celebration of determination, courage, and the beautiful truth that with belief in yourself… nothing is impossible.
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Description


This story was inspired by watching my granddaughter Jayce discover the courage that comes from trying, failing, and trying again. I wrote this book because I wanted children to know that mistakes aren't something to be afraid of — they're part of learning, growing, and becoming braver every day. Seeing Jayce fall off her bike, slip from the monkey bars, wobble on the balance beam, or get frustrated when things don't go perfectly remind me how strong children really are. Even when she got upset, she never gave up. She kept practicing, kept believing, and kept finding her own way to succeed — even if it meant wearing monkey-bar gloves and trying one more time. I wanted to capture that spirit in a story: the idea that nothing is bad when you're learning, and that believing in yourself can turn even the toughest moments into victories. Jayce inspired me to write a book that helps kids see that every fall, every wobble, every "ugh!" is just another step toward something amazing. This book is a celebration of determination, courage, and the beautiful truth that with belief in yourself… nothing is impossible.
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About The Author


About the Author Maria Sikoutris-Di Iorio, MA, Ed.S., MFT, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist, Clinical Director, and Marriage & Family Therapist at the Hellenic Therapy Center. With more than three decades of experience guiding individuals, couples, children, and families, Maria brings a deep understanding of resilience, healing, and emotional growth to her work. A gifted storyteller and the Founder & Executive Producer of Against All Odds, Maria creates books and content that inspires people of all ages to embrace challenges, trust their inner strength, and transform adversity into possibility. Her work blends clinical insight with heartfelt storytelling—empowering both adults and children to see themselves as capable, courageous, and never alone. Maria lives with her family and continues to find inspiration in everyday stories of perseverance, hope, and the extraordinary potential within us all.
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Book Reviews

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Sophie
A Beautiful Lesson in Perseverance for Young Children I read Jayce Never Gives Up with my young son, and it sparked such a meaningful conversation between us. He immediately connected with Jayce’s struggles — especially the moments where things didn’t come easily at first. It was a great opportunity to talk about how learning new things can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying. The illustrations are engaging and help bring Jayce’s journey to life, making it easy for kids to stay interested while absorbing an important lesson. This is a wonderful book for parents, caregivers, and teachers who want to help children build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. A truly sweet and encouraging story that we’ll definitely be reading again. Read more
Gail
A Beautiful Lesson in Perseverance for Children Jayce Never Gives Up by Maria Sikoutris-Di Iorio, a psychologist who was inspired by her own granddaughter. This book is a heartfelt story with a powerful message: learning happens when we keep trying. This beautifully illustrated story gently captures a moment every child experiences: the frustration of falling off a bike, struggling on the playground crossbars, or feeling like something is just too hard. Through Jayce’s experiences, young readers see that setbacks are not failures, but stepping stones toward confidence and growth. What makes this book especially meaningful is the emotional understanding behind it. The author clearly knows how children think and feel. Instead of pushing perfection, she celebrates persistence and resilience—two qualities that will serve children for the rest of their lives. Parents, grandparents, and teachers will appreciate how naturally the story opens the door for conversations about courage, patience, and believing in oneself. The message is simple but powerful: falling down is part of learning to stand up. This is a warm, encouraging book that reminds children that progress comes one brave try at a time. A wonderful addition to any child’s library. Read more
Jan
The story sticks and inspires Jayce Never Gives Up is a simply told, colorfully illustrated true story of a determined girl who redefines what it means to fail. Maria Sikoutris-dilorio - Jayce’s grandmother, as well as a therapist and Clinical Director - brings both heart and insight to this moment, capturing it with clarity and care. The result is a gentle, encouraging reminder that each of us has what it takes to find our own way across the monkey bars of life. - Jan Black, Author Read more