52 Seconds

For a kid who’s afraid of heights, the idea of going up Niagara Falls’ tallest tower feels impossible. But with his dad’s guidance and a few brave steps, Champion learns that sometimes, courage starts with a single goal.

When his family plans dinner at the top of the Skylon Tower, Champion feels the familiar knot of fear. With knees wobbling and heart racing, he’s ready to give up. Then Dad suggests a simple plan: make a list of tiny goals to tackle one by one. Champion eventually confronts his biggest fear, a 52-second ride up the 800-foot elevator to reach the top of the tower.

52 Seconds is a tale about overcoming the fear of heights, showing young readers that courage isn’t about never being scared—it’s about taking each step one brave second at a time and finding joy in what’s waiting at the top.

Todd M. Mealy is an educator, coach, and author with a focus on sports and civil rights history, including notable works on Muhammad Ali and the role of sports in military preparedness during the world wars. With over two decades of teaching experience at the secondary and postsecondary levels, Todd earned his Ph.D. from Penn State University-Harrisburg, where he graduated with distinction.

Carter Lee Mealy is an aspiring children’s author focused on helping young readers overcome their fears. They reside in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with their wife and mother, Melissa, and daughter and sister, Adeline.