self-confidence

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.

"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.

"When Jay starts eighth grade with a few pimples he doesn't think much of it.But when his acne goes from bad to worse, Jay's prescribed a powerful medication that comes with some serious side effects. Meanwhile, school isn't going exactly as planned. All of Jay's friends are in different classes; he has no one to sit with at lunch; his best friend, Brace, is avoiding him"--Provided by publisher.

Wade is staying at his uncle's ranch for the summer, but despite being athletic he has proved hopeless when it comes to riding a horse, much less the other skills demanded in a rodeo--but when Maria, sister of his new friend Javier, breaks her arm, she asks him to keep her horse in training, and Wade is forced to overcome his apprehension and really learn how to ride.

Readers will learn how they can use confidence, a can-do attitude, motivation, and their experiences to achieve self-efficacy, belief in self, and increase their chances of real-life success.

Small, shy Matt Baker, who has been marginalized because of a speech disorder, and big, bold, and brash Ben Roberson become unlikely practice partners as their baseball team navigates the rapidly approaching end of their season.

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.

Stuck in Group A with the kids who can't read, upbeat first grader Lupe Lopez is made fun of by a rival but refuses to let that stop her from becoming a reading rock star.

"Bob loves his red jacket. The red jacket makes him feel swanky cool. The red jacket makes other seagulls notice him and even speak to him. But when a wave washes it away, will Bob lose his cool and his newfound friends, too?"--Provided by publisher.