self-confidence

Left behind by her longtime best friend Jazz, who's now hanging out with the cool crowd, twelve-year-old Lo Simpson enters middle school adrift until she discovers a new group of friends who share her interests in comics and "Doctor Who." Alongside new allies, she also finds her voice to speak out against inequalities and sexism both at school and among her peers.

Delilah is the lead singer of her friends' punk band, and Reggie is a D&D Dungeon Master, who spends his free time leading quests and writing essays critiquing the game under a pseudonym. When Delilah and Reggie meet on New Year's Eve and then run into each other on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and subsequent holidays, it seems like the universe is trying to send them a message. Even though it appears they have nothing in common, the two try to find ways to hang out and find themselves falling for one another. But Delilah wishes she were more like the seemingly self-assured Reggie, while Reggie worries that Delilah will realize his confidence is just a front to impress her. Delilah and Reggie must find a way to be honest with themselves and embrace the parts they feel they must hide from others in order to truly be there for each other.

Alvin makes a new friend and learns that he can be brave despite his fear of everything when his father takes him camping, hoping to install a love of nature like that of their hometown hero, Henry David Thoreau.

Basma returns to the balance beam after an ankle injury and regains her confidence with the help of her teammates and coaches. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents and diagrams showing the equipment needed on the mat and the different events involved in a gymnastics meet.

Follows Kareem as he builds confidence accomplishing a new challenge in karate. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents and diagrams showing the karate gi and belt color progression.

Priya gains confidence on the soccer field when her teammates encourage her to take a shot on goal. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents and diagrams showing the soccer field and equipment needed to play.

A young Japanese American girl named Keiko is kind and dreams of changing the world, but she is misjudged because she is Asian American. However, her family loves her and encourages her to shine and stand strong. Eventually Keiko blossoms and is able to lead and inspire others. Includes an author's note.

Show young readers how to see themselves and others with confidence and love with this beautiful rhyming board book toddlers and parents alike will love.

My Beautiful Voice, by poet Joseph Coelho, is a moving, lyrical picture book about a shy child unlocking the power of their own voice through poetry. Readers follow a child who is so shy she doesn't speak. With the encouragement of an enchanting and magical teacher, she writes a poem. But a poem is meant to be read aloud! She musters all her courage, stands at the front of the class and shows her classmates that she does have a voice. And her voice is BEAUTIFUL! This picture book is the perfect way to encourage empathy in young children and show shy children how to feel brave.

Twelve-year-old Ava finds an old pencil in her family's junk drawer and discovers, during a math test, that it will answer factual questions, so she and her best friend Sophie have a great time--and Ava grows in self-confidence--until the pencil reveals a truth about her family that Ava would rather not know.