self-esteem

Marvin overhears remarks made by his second-grade teacher and is sure she hates him.

Otto the elephant is made fun of because of his small trunk, but one day everything changes for him.

Fuzzy the sheep and his family help his sister Lizzy try new things and gain self confidence.

Ziggy does not do well on the school track and field day events, but he feels much better after his classmates recognize his drawing talent.

Jamaica copies from a friend during a spelling test because she wants a perfect paper, but her substitute teacher Mrs. Duval helps her understand that she does not have to be perfect to be special.

A co-founder of the Crips extolls the benefits of not joining a gang.

Zoe, an imaginative third grader, thinks that she has to make things up to be interesting, until a good friend and an eagle convince her that she does not have to lie to be special.

Sassafras, the little skunk, develops self-esteem when he learns the value of his "special gift" while playing with his friends in the woods.

Teaches young readers to accept themselves the way they are, lead a healthy lifestyle, and treat one another with tolerance and kindness.

In rhyming text, a little girl expresses confidence and joy in her uniqueness, no matter her outward appearance.