Sophie is discourgaged because she always struggles with math and puzzles--until her teacher shows her the hidden value of "try" and "yet."

George tries to be the best helper he can be, but when his parents paint the garage and their hungry dog finds her way in, the mess is George's fault and he learns he must listen to directions to succeed as a helper.

Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child.

"This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren't the only ingredients for intelligence?"-- Goodreads.com

Ramon loses confidence in his ability to draw, but his sister gives him a new perspective on things.

Because she loves horses but is scared of them, Melody wants to conquer her fears, so she hopes a summer camp will be the place to welcome someone with cerebral palsy who wants to learn to ride.

Chicago fifth-grader Simon, an aspiring rapper who lacks self-confidence, uses his rhymes to help bring his community together.

A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before--in fact, his eyes are like his father's, his agong's, and his little brother's, and they are visionary. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his...

Seventh-grader Tristan must return to Alke and enlist the help of African gods and black folktale heroes when Nana is abducted from the Strong family farm in Alabama.

A girl confides to her mother that her best friend is treating her badly, and together they figure out what to do about it in a story that also includes a note to parents and teachers, as well as related resources. When Monica's friend Katie begins to call her names and humiliate her in front of other kids at school, she feels betrayed and isolated. But with help from her mother, Monica reclaims her confidence from a bully disguised as her friend....