voluntarism

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.

Standoffish Eloise Deane, in need of volunteer hours for her college applications, is paired with an agency that offers social support to lonely seniors and meets a dynamic elderly woman and a cheerful fellow volunteer who unexpectedly make her question her loner status.

Thirteen-year-old former elite gymnast Eden is feeling lost after a career-ending injury, but when she meets new friends who open her eyes to period poverty, the struggle that low-income people have trying to afford menstrual products, she becomes an advocate for fair treatment and rediscovers her passion and drive.

"Volunteering helps teens sharpen their social skills, build self-esteem, gain real-world experience, meet mentors, and attain letters of recommendation for college applications. [This book] . . . shows the many ways teens are making--and can make--a difference in the world [and] . . . provides numerous project ideas as well as advice and insights from a wide array of teen volunteers"--Provided by publisher.

"When a hurricane hits Houston, Nadia and Nadir wait out the storm at home with their parents. While their neighborhood isn't too damaged, they know others weren't so lucky. The siblings want to help any way they can"--Back cover.

"Volunteering fosters valuable community connections and has been a unique part of America's culture from the nation's founding. Students will learn how they can take part in volunteering opportunities and how volunteering can directly help their communities in this . . . text written especially for young readers. Color photographs help students fully grasp reasons to give their time to causes they care about. Glossary terms throughout the text will also help readers develop vocabulary skills. After reading this book, students will have a better understanding of the role volunteering plays in American civic life"--Provided by publisher.

"Brad Aronson's life changed in an instant when his wife, Mia, was diagnosed with leukemia. After her diagnosis, Brad spent most of the next two and a half years either by her side as she received treatment or trying to shield their five-year-old son, Jack, from the worst of Mia's illness. Amid the stress and despair of waiting for the treatment to work, Brad and Mia were met by an outpouring of kindness from friends, family and even complete strangers. Inspired by the many demonstrations of "human kindness" that supported their family through Mia's recovery, Brad began writing about the people who rescued his family from that dark time, often with the smallest of gestures. But he didn't stop there. Knowing that simple acts of kindness transform lives across the globe every day, he sought out these stories and shares some of the best ones here"--Provided by publisher.

"In a story inspired by her own family's desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists and bus drivers, friends and strangers all help one another to build a better world for themselves and their community"--Provided by publisher.

"From helping homeless pets to assisting injured wildlife, there are many ways to volunteer with animals. Some people help scientists track wild animal populations, while others help zoos teach people about the importance of conservation. [This book] . . . examines different volunteer opportunities and how to get involved."--.

"From helping at a homeless shelter to helping make sure an area gets enough funding to support its homeless population, there are many ways to volunteer for the homeless. Some people organize events that gather donations for the homeless, while others help serve homeless people food. [This book] . . . examines different volunteer opportunities and how to get involved"--.