Eleven year-old Akeelah Anderson's life is not easy: her father is dead, her mom ignores her, her brother runs with the local gangbangers. She is a smart girl, but her environment threatens to strangle her aspirations. Responding to a threat by her school's principal, Akeelah decides to participate in a spelling bee to avoid detention for her many absences. Much to her surprise and embarrassment, she wins. Her principal asks her to seek coaching from...

The concept of bucket filling is an effective metaphor for encouraging kind and considerate behavior and for teaching the benefits of positive relationships.

Describes how children can boost their self-esteem by doing thing they enjoy and are good at and by seeking the advice and comfort of others.

Great games for children: over 100 games to develop self-cofidence, problem-solving skills, and cooperation

Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures - not even lightning bugs, worms, or goldfish. So when his father brings home a sickly, newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army. Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie's quirky new friend, Nora. But as Louie's bond with Winslow...

"Have I ever told you that, for me, there is no one more special than you? That for me, you are the most special child in the world, and that I love you now and will love you forever? Have I ever told you that?" Shani King wrote Have I Ever Told You? as a note to his children, to remind them that they are amazing in their individuality and that they have the power to choose who they want to be in this world. The illustrations create a masterful visual...

A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.

A child's healthy self-concept and happiness is often the result of the encouraging words and actions of parents and others who help a child know they are loved, valued, and capable.

"...[an] inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today."--

"Emily Ley, bestselling author, founder of Simplified®, and mama of three, shares her life-giving message of "grace, not perfection" in You're Always Enough: And More Than I Hoped For, a parent-child picture book that builds self-confidence in children by removing expectations of perfection--because they're perfectly loved just the way they are"--