Kids Comics Pitchfest 2026 Showcase

The Ruth Avenue Raiders Vs. The Robots of Sector 7

Fifth grader (and toughest kid on Ruth Avenue) Ryan Beckham is the captain of the Ruth Avenue Raiders, the best football team in the next ten blocks. They’re the best around and she knows it. As her team enters uncharted territory when they're challenged to a match by the Robots of Sector 7, they begin to struggle on the field and Ryan grapples with adjusting her game plan or repeating past mistakes. Jimmy Ramirez (the smartest kid on Ruth Avenue) sees how and where the team can improve but struggles with standing up for himself when he’s challenged by Ryan when calling plays. As the story progresses, both protagonists are forced to face tough decisions that could change their friendship and the Ruth Avenue Raiders forever.

My Why:

This story first came to me as a child when my dad, Ryan, would tell me stories about growing up with his street football team, The Ruth Avenue Raiders, and how they would go from neighborhood to neighborhood playing pick-up football games with friends. From there, it grew into a love letter to my dad, the middle school students I’ve taught over the years, my favorite childhood cartoons, and shy kids (like I was growing up) who struggle with playing outside of their comfort zones. I pay homage to these influences in my life by telling a heartwarming and humorous story about a diverse group of kids navigating uncharted social situations who learn that it's okay to make mistakes and it’s often a necessary part of growing up.

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