Meet Dean Blake
Character #13 | The Dean Effect
Dependable Loyal Determined Protective Resilient Hardworking Unstoppable
Determination. Perseverance.
Who Is Dean Blake?
Dean Blake is a 14-year-old eighth grader, student-athlete, protective older brother, and the main character of the Dean’s Playbook series. Dean is dependable, thoughtful, and often viewed as the person who can handle anything. He works hard in football, basketball, track, school, and at home — but beneath his steady exterior, he sometimes carries more pressure than the people around him realize.
Position
Linebacker
Sports
Football, Basketball & Track
Mindset
Whatever It Takes
Strength
Steady Under Pressure
Heart
Protects His People
Motto
Keep Going
Book One | Dean’s Playbook
Dean’s Playbook
Dean Blake is the kind of person people count on. But what happens when the weight of that becomes too much? Dean’s Playbook follows an eighth-grade student-athlete navigating football, school, family, and the pressure of always being the one who handles it.
Coming Soon
Social & Emotional Learning Themes
- Carrying pressure quietly
- Asking for help
- Leadership and responsibility
- Being strong for others while also being human
- Perseverance
- Identity beyond performance
“You don’t have to carry it all alone.”
— Dean’s Reminder
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Be the first to know when Dean’s story arrives. Reach out to Kelly directly.
Kelly Dean’s Books | Children’s Stories & SEL Resources for Parents, Teachers, and more 