self-esteem

"Even from Ramen's small shelf in the supermarket, they see spaghetti propaganda everywhere. They want to be celebrated, too. Maybe, Ramen misguidedly thinks, I have to change to be loved like that. 'I want to be spaghetti!' they proclaim to the dismay of the rest of the instant noodle section. But when Ramen's brought home and placed in a warm bowl of broth alongside new friends like Chashu, Narutomaki, and Nori, they realize they've always been perfect exactly the way they are"--Provided by publisher.

Twelve-year-old Ainy is looking forward to working at her mother's clothing store for the summer--and someday soon wearing a hijab--but when certain boys harass her, and the boy she has a crush on does not step in, she turns to her older sister for help.

"[This book] is an anthem for young, Black readers--one that defiantly centers the endless, joyful possibilities of Black children's futures. Dear Black child, the universe is vast. So take as much space as you can. Stand in your own light. Wear your crown with pride. Let your name be your flag. Say it loud and say it proud. Wave it until its woven in their mind. From quiet moments in nature and lively school plays, to neighborhood walks and daydreaming in the park, each spread in [this book] depicts Black children standing in their power, taking up their space in the world, making their own sunshine on rainy days, opening their doors to their communities, writing their own stories, and most importantly, being their own, jubilant selves"--Provided by publisher.

Sunny, the Defenders' best runner, only runs for his father, who blames Sunny for his mother's death, but with his coach's help Sunny finds a way to combine track and field with his true passion, dancing.

"Elliott has to follow a time-trotting trouble-maker and can't mess with history or reveal his identity, but his own existence is up for grabs when his parents hate each other and a mysterious villain is searching for a powerful cosmic object that threatens the universe"--Publisher.

"Stonebridge High's resident bad boy, Wesley 'Big Mac' Mackenzie, is failing senior year--thanks to his unchecked anger, rowdy friends, and a tendency to ditch his homework for skateboarding. So when his mom drags him to a production of The Nutcracker, Wes isn't interested at all . . . until he sees Tristan Monroe. Wes knows he shouldn't like Tristan; after all, he's a ballet dancer . . . but when they start spending time together, Wes can't seem to get Tristan out of his head. Driven by a new sense of purpose, Wes begins to think that maybe he can change for the better. Wes realizes that being himself means taking a stand---and blowing up the bad-boy reputation he never wanted in the first place"--Provided by publisher.

When troubled twelve-year-old Alex is assigned to spend his summer volunteering at a senior living facility, he forms a unique bond with a Holocaust survivor and learns lessons that change the trajectory of his life.

"Alex Allen, like lots of children, sometimes worries about things--like dancing badly or getting an answer wrong in class. But unlike lots of children, every time he worries a real-life llama appears! And the more Alex worries, the bigger Llama grows . . . which starts getting him into all sorts of trouble. Will Alex ever learn how to control his worries and get rid of this pesky llama?"--Provided by publisher.

"Big Bill the dollar loves his one-derful life of tippin', payin', and donatin' at restaurants, farmers markets, and collection jars . . . until Hundred pays a visit, telling tales of large bills living in the lap of luxury. Then Bill's dreams turn to mega mansions, fancy cars, and superstars. With the magical help of his friend Penny, Bill's wish for wealth comes true. Suddenly he's a ten thousand dollar bill--one of the biggest bills in history! But when glamorous Thousand steps in to show him the ropes, he begins to worry his grand new life might not be what he was banking on"--Provided by publisher.

Junior may not be as big or strong as his famous cousin Kong, but when his beloved cat gets stuck in a tree, Junior conquers his fear of heights and saves the day.