A chance to meet her favorite basketball player by winning a free throw contest prompts Becca to practice. But the practice sessions start badly and get worse. Will she even have a chance at the contest, and if not, will she ever meet her hero of the hardwood? Another winner in this early chapter series.

Marisol is a sweet, shy girl who loves her friends and her time playing with them. Marisol, however, has many fears and a great fear. It is the marvelously climbable tree in her own back yard. Her bestie, Jada, can do it and often does, but she completely accepts Marisol’s fears. Her brother can climb the tree quite quickly and fearlessly, and this leaves Marisol to feel unworthy somehow. No one ...

Strong character and perspective lead readers to the heart of this story. A young boy follows his older sister obediently, but the reader understands his thoughts as they intersperse the text -- self-doubt and low confidence. Althought he walks in his sister's shadow, he challenges himself to overcome a few obstacles and act in ways usually reserved by those older and wiser. This is a unnique, mea ...

Morgy MacDougal-MacDuff hates being the new kid in a new school in a new town in a new state. Each day brings some new weird Boston thing to get used to, but soon Morgy feels he may just fit in after all. Illustrations.

A delightful introduction to a young boy who turns his personal hurdles—lack of confidence and not knowing how to capitalize on his strengths—into stepping stones for building friendships. Age-appropriate illustrations capture moments beautifully, conveying the emotional experience throughout.

When Mr. Tiger becomes disillusioned by his current circumstances, he strikes out and soon discovers freedom and a greater sense of himself. But pleasure is sometimes fleeting when it comes at the expense of lost community. So, Mr. Tiger sets out again. Little did he know his bold decision had inspired others. Heartwarming and humorous.

With its winning combination of satisfying story and cinematic illustrations, Mudball should make a splash with underdogs and baseball fans alike. --The Horn Book Andy Oyler is the shortest player on the Minneapolis Millers baseball team, not to mention in the whole league. And no matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to get a hit. But one fateful spring day in 1903, a sudden change in the weath ...

Patricia's freckled-faced older brother is always showing her up. Then he rubs it in with that extra-rotten, weasel-eyed, greeny-toothed grin of his. But one day, after Patricia finds something at which she can beat Richard, she becomes one of his biggest fans. Full color.

This is a story about noticing the little things, the grand big things, the imaginary, and sometimes, hidden things. It is about embracing what's possible. And that the incredible is everywhere, and in everything--waiting to be known, discovered, recognized. This beautiful tale by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada and illustrator Elise Hurst encourages readers of all ages to slow down ...

From the creator of the bestselling classic "Stellaluna" comes this triumphant story of an endearing young hyena who learns about self-image, self-acceptance, and treating others with respect. Full color.

Pinduli's mama has always told her that she's the most beautiful hyena ever. But Dog, Lion, and Zebra don't think so. Why else would they make her feel so rotten about her big ears, her fuzzy mane, and her wiggly stripes? Poor Pinduli just wants to disappear--and she tries everything she can think of to make that happen. Yet nothing goes her way. Nothing, that is, until a case of mistaken identity ...

This character-driven plot focuses on the emotions the daughter of mixed-race parents goes through when she receives a racist note at her new middle school. Anger, confusion, fear, frustration fog her steps to justice. Streamlined writing walks readers through Yasmin's difficult choices that ultimately lead to maturity and restoration within her community of friends, teammates, parents, and school ...

Anton loves playing football until Malik, the talented quarterback, starts acting strange. Instead of working with the team, Malik is just showing off. Anton has to fix the problem fast, before the quarterback ruins everything!

The story's magic-laden background and setting force the main character to face reality, find courage, and take action. An unforgettable, thought-provoking tale with plenty of material to consider and discuss.

"An inspiring tale of compassion and perseverance." --Booklist (starred review) Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog, but when he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help h ...

Naomi's love for her parents drives her to action, and in so doing, damages the one thing that provides for their living. However, this accident proves to be a door of opportunity. A beautiful story.

Naomi's love for her parents drives her to action, and in so doing, damages the one thing that provides for their living. However, this accident proves to be a door of opportunity. A beautiful story.

It's the first day of school, and Ruby is new. When her classmate Angela wears a red bow in her hair, Ruby comes back from lunch wearing a red bow, too. When Angela wears a flowered dress, suddenly Ruby's wearing one, too. Fortunately, Ruby's teacher knows a better way to help Ruby fit in--by showing how much fun it is to be herself.

Set in 17th-century Korea, this story is of a young girl who yearns to see what lies beyond the walls of her family's home and enlarge her world. Illustrations.

"If you've ever felt so-so, you will relate to this delightful story of friendship's uplifting power. Snoozie and Sunny are opposites in most ways, but close friends nonetheless. When they encounter So-So hiding in a basket, they know they can't let him stay locked away and alone. Beautifully written and charmingly illustrated, this is destined to become a classic children's book!"