For readers who love emotional coming-of-age stories, underdog sports drama, and fierce teen girls fighting for their future.
Shelby has spent her life moving from place to place in her mom’s classic Mustang, always one eviction away from starting over. But when they run out of gas in Michigan, Shelby finally gets a taste of something she’s never had: stability. She joins a gymnastics team, starts making friends, and falls in love with a routine of regularity. Then her mom disappears—again and Shelby is placed in foster care with her coach and his wife. These days her biggest trouble is fighting for her spot in the line up. But when her mom suddenly reappears, Shelby must confront the fact that she’s just a passenger in her own life and that perhaps it’s time to take the wheel. Includes expert backmatter from NFL player Alec Ingold and a collegiate sports psychologist. (Releasing June 24, 2025)
Every Pre-Order will receive:
1 bookmark
1 ticket (per book) to Flip the Page: A Virtual Summit on Gymnastics, Grit and Growth
Daily Dashboard Reflection Journal (Digital PDF download)
Shelby’s Soundtrack - a YouTube Playlist (PDF + QR code/link to digital playlist)
** If you pre-order on Amazon, send a screenshot to: wordnerd@amandazieba.com to get your pre-order bonuses. All orders placed through this website will receive them automatically on launch day (June 24th).
This book is being published by Beaver’s Pond Press and sponsored in part by the Ingold Family Foundation.
The Ingold Family Foundation was started by NFL Miami Dolphin (former Wisconsin Badger!) Fullback, Alec Ingold, in an effort to empower underserved youth through accessible and impactful learning experiences. The foundation focuses on financial, mental, and physical health, inspired by the lessons learned in sports. Alec has contributed nonfiction backmatter about foster care to the book.
If you’d like to make a donation to the Ingold Family Foundation to support their work with foster care organizations, click here or use the QR code to the right. To learn more about Alec and the Ingold Family Foundation, click here.
Partner with Amanda!
Life in the Passenger Seat will be released on June 24th, 2025. If you’d like to partner with Amanda to spread the word about this book including bulk purchases, event planning, podcast/news interviews, collaborations, social media tours, bookstore events or other promotional efforts, please reach out to her via email. Amanda is especially interested in events and efforts that will uplift and support gymnasts, mental health in sports, and foster care.