self-confidence

"A little butterfly persists through challenges"--OCLC.

Elle begins to question whether basketball is worth the time and effort she is putting in, and who she would be if not a basketball star.

Eighth-grader Ellie is a veteran on her volleyball team, but this year she is frustrated because she is having trouble with her footwork, and she hopes that getting involved with coaching the younger girls in the newly organized after-school group at the Boys and Girls Club will help her work through her problems, besides, it is fun and she was instrumental in setting it up.

Kendall is surprise invited to join an esports tournament for "Ooze Escape!" his favorite online game. The problem is Kendall often gets distracted looking for cool loot, and the ooze gets him. Before the tournament, he must learn better strategies, or face defeat. Includes a glossary.

For the past two years, since attending a Choctaw Nation powwow with his family, thirteen-year-old Tobias has secretly been teaching himself how to hoop dance, but once his secret gets out, he must decide if he wants to share his dancing at the spring talent show. Includes black-and-white illustrations, a glossary, and back matter on hoop dancing.

When Sydney Todachine's parents are selected to do research in the Amazon over the summer, Sydney has to spend her break before middle school on her grandfathers ranch. When her secret nighttime horseback riding turns into an opportunity to enter the local rodeo, she's not sure she has what it takes to compete against more experienced riders. But she gives it a shot and surprises herself by doing extremely well. Includes text-related questions, writing prompts, and a glossary.

Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight. To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules--like "no making waves," "avoid eating in public," and "don't move so fast that your body jiggles." And she's found her safe space--her swimming pool--where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants.

"Bullied and shamed her whole life for being fat, twelve-year-old Ellie finally gains the confidence to stand up for herself, with the help of some wonderful new allies"--OCLC.

Growing up with a developmental condition that left her clumsy in both movement and speech, Jazz was teased and never had the chance to play team sports. Now rid of her symptoms, Jazz is ready to play basketball at her junior high, but the reappearance of an old bully makes her question herself and tempts her to let down the team that is counting on her. Last Pick emphasizes teamwork and countering bullying with fairness and forgiveness and how determination can help overcome obstacles.

"Floky doesn't look like all the other gorillas, but he quickly learns there are pros and cons to being a special gorilla. He wants to play and have fun like the others, but because he looks different, it isn't always easy for him. When Floky meets two new friends, he learns an important lesson: each one of us is unique and special, and that's fantastic!"--Publisher.