Resilience, perseverance, and determination—these are the values at the heart of The Magic Little Black Ball, a children’s book written by Squash BC member Yoyo S. Inspired by her son Max’s journey learning to play squash, the story follows his challenges, triumphs, and growing confidence on the court. The book encourages young readers to embrace setbacks, push through obstacles, and believe in themselves.

We caught up with Yoyo to learn more about the inspiration behind The Magic Little Black Ball, the lessons it teaches, and how squash became a powerful metaphor for personal growth. 

Q&A with Yoyo

Squash BC: The Magic Little Black Ball was inspired by a little boy’s love for squash and written by his proud mama. Can you share more about how your son’s passion for the sport shaped the story and motivated you to create this book?

Yoyo: It was my idea to bring Max to the squash court for the first time. Back in China, I followed a popular author whose daughter played squash. I thought it looked like an interesting sport —similar to badminton and tennis—and being indoors, it felt like a good option for us. When Max was just turning seven, I decided to give it a try and brought him to the court. 

At first, he didn’t like it at all. He was frustrated, saying he couldn’t hit the ball even once and that there were too many rules. He wanted to quit. However, having watched him play badminton before, I knew his skills could improve with practice. So I told him, “Let’s try one more time. If you still don’t like it, we don’t have to continue.” 

The rest is history. I’ll never forget the moment he finally managed to hit the ball—sometimes randomly—and turned to me, saying he wanted to learn more. He was one of the youngest kids at the club and didn’t know anyone there, but he was determined. He began asking to practice more often and started going to the court even on weekends. 

Sometimes, I worried the training might be too intense for him. When I asked if he was tired, though, he always said no—he just wanted to keep playing. Parents and coaches would tell me that Max would rush back to the court after the shortest of lunch breaks, often enjoying solo practice. 

I remember watching him during private lessons with his coaches. Even when he looked utterly exhausted, he seldom complained. One night, I noticed a callus forming on his little hand. Instead of being bothered, he proudly said, “Mom, it helps me hold the racket better!” Moments like these showed me how much he truly loved squash. 

It’s been incredible to witness how squash has shaped him—not just physically but mentally. He’s become stronger and more resilient, and I see him growing into a better version of himself. I’ve always wanted to write a book for my children, and one day I realized this was the story I wanted to tell. Max’s journey of overcoming challenges, finding his passion, and thriving despite difficulties deserved to be documented. The Magic Little Black Ball is my way of celebrating his resilience and growth as a young man.

Squash BC: Squash isn’t as commonly featured in children’s books—why do you think it’s an important sport to spotlight?

Yoyo: When I was researching this book, I discovered there weren’t any children’s books about squash—The Magic Little Black Ball might even be the first! Squash is becoming more popular, especially now that it’s officially part of the Olympics. Many young squash players are also joining Ivy League universities and playing on their teams, which is a testament to the sport’s growing recognition. 

For me, however, the significance of squash goes beyond these achievements. It’s about what the sport can teach children. Squash helps cultivate important traits like resilience, perseverance, and the ability to enjoy the journey of pursuing a passion. It doesn’t have to be squash— every child’s passion is unique—but in Max’s case, squash became a sport he loves and a medium through which he learned to grow. 

As a parent and storyteller, I want to inspire others to discover squash and experience how it can positively influence their lives. This book is my way of sharing that journey and shining a spotlight on a sport that has the power to transform not just skills but also character.

Squash BC: How do you think squash helps children develop qualities like resilience and determination, as described in your book?

Yoyo: This story illustrates how squash—or any disciplined sport—can help children develop resilience and determination. Max’s journey highlights how these qualities are formed through real experiences, not just words. When Max lost his matches, it was his first tangible encounter with failure. At seven years old, it was a bitter pill to swallow, and his emotional reaction —crying and wanting to quit—was completely natural. As a parent, I understood that failure is part of life, but for him, it felt overwhelming and final.

What changed everything was his coach’s simple but powerful encouragement: “If you give up now, you’ll never have a chance to win again.”

That statement sparked something in Max. He wiped his tears, picked up his racket, and walked back onto the court. At that moment, I saw resilience take shape. It wasn’t about the wins or losses—it was about his decision to keep trying, despite the difficulty. Over time, Max began to understand that failure wasn’t the end, but a step in his journey. Losing taught him to persevere, and winning showed him the value of effort. Squash became a tool for him to internalize that giving up was not an option, and I hope his experience inspires others to embrace resilience in their own lives.

Squash BC: What message do you hope young readers and their families take away from The Magic Little Black Ball?

Yoyo: The central message of The Magic Little Black Ball is that the journey is the true reward. I want young readers and their families to understand that success isn’t defined solely by wins or losses—it’s about showing up, giving your best effort, and persevering through challenges. 

To all the young players: enjoy the journey. Squash, like any part of life, will have its ups and downs, but what matters most is how you face those moments. When you encounter difficulties, don’t give up. Every time you step onto the court and try your hardest, you’re becoming stronger and giving the best of yourself. Squash is just one chapter in your life, but it offers an incredible opportunity to learn resilience, determination, and self-discovery. My hope is that this book inspires players and families alike to embrace the journey, both on and off the court.

Squash BC: A portion of the book’s proceeds will support the 50K for 50 Years fundraising campaign. Can you tell us more about this initiative and why it’s important to you?

Yoyo: Contributing a portion of the book’s proceeds to support the 50K for 50 Years fundraising campaign truly adds deeper meaning to this project. Writing The Magic Little Black Ball has been a personal accomplishment—something I take great pride in. But even more so, Max is incredibly proud to be the main character in a book written by his mom. However, none of this would have been possible without the support of the squash community in BC—coaches, peers, and family members who helped nurture Max’s growth in the sport. The 50K for 50 Years campaign is an opportunity to give back and support the very community that made this book possible.

This initiative is important to me because it allows us to contribute to the growth of squash in BC, helping future generations of young athletes discover the sport, just as Max did. I’m grateful for the chance to share this pride and privilege and to support a cause that will help squash continue to thrive in our community.

Your support can make a meaningful impact—whether through a direct donation or by purchasing the book, every contribution helps ensure that squash remains a thriving part of our community for future generations.

Squash BC: If you could share one piece of advice with children just starting their squash journey, what would it be?

Yoyo: My advice to children just starting their squash journey is simple: enjoy the game! There will be times when you fall, but remember to pick yourself up and try again. The most important thing is to give your best effort and have fun along the way. Squash is a magical sport that will challenge you, teach you resilience, and reward you with incredible experiences. Embrace every moment, both the victories and the setbacks, and let the game bring you joy!

Where to find The Magic Little Black Ball

Thank you Yoyo and Max for sharing your story with Squash BC and the entire squash community! Stay tuned for future books, as Yoyo this is the beginning of a series that follows Max’s growth—both in sport and in life—exploring themes of passion, resilience, and self-discovery. Yoyo hopes to write not just for children but also for adults and the elderly, sharing stories about finding purpose, chasing dreams, and embracing life’s challenges and triumphs.