As young Matthew comes into his own, he faces an upcoming community challenge, an ice-jumping contest, whose winner is set for impending leadership. An exciting time now tainted by his discovery of illness, Matthew is eventually able to overcome his adversity. Although first frightened by his disease and the daily shots of insulin and monitoring that will now ensue, Matthew soon learns that he can control his diabetes by taking charge of his fears and finding the courage to give himself a shot.
A story culminated by his shot on the ice, Owen Coleman elucidates clever play on words, for Matthew’s optimism and self-confidence give him the strength to succeed in both “shots.” With his triumph, the young bear realizes that with self-assurance intact, the world lay at his fingertips.
