Winners Never Quit!: questions to ask and activities to try
Mia loves to play but hates to lose, so she quits. Winners Never Quit! is a sporty, simple story about why finishing the game matters more than winning it.
What age is it for? Winners Never Quit! is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Children who quit or storm off when they start losing.
Winners Never Quit! (Mia Hamm and Carol Thompson)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Children who quit or storm off when they start losing
Read it before a match, a sports day or a family games night. Pause when Mia is left out and ask how she might be feeling. It helps to tell your child about a time you lost and kept going.
What it helps with
- Quitting or storming off when a game isn't going well
- Understanding that even champions lose
- Seeing how quitting affects the people playing with you
- Sticking with something to the end
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How did Mia feel when her team started losing?”
- “What did Mia do when she was losing?”
- “Why didn’t her brothers want her to play any more?”
- “What helped Mia change?”
- “Have you ever wanted to quit a game? What happened?”
- “What could you say to yourself when you’re losing?”
5-minute activities to try together
Finish the game
Play a short game and agree before you start that everyone plays to the end. Afterwards, talk about the best moment, even if it wasn't winning.
Champion's story
Look up a favourite sports star together and find a time they lost. Talk about what they did next.
Free printables: Winners Never Quit! worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Sally Sore Loser (Frank J. Sileo and Cary Pillo)
- Best for
- Children who get upset, cheat or quit when they lose a game
- Age
- 4-8
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury)
- Best for
- Keeping going when something is hard, and facing fears together
- Age
- 2-6
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.