George tries to be the best helper he can be, but when his parents paint the garage and their hungry dog finds her way in, the mess is George's fault and he learns he must listen to directions to succeed as a helper.

"There is a girl, and her name is Sam. She adores her father, though he isn't around much. Her mother, Courtney, struggles to make ends meet, and never fails to remind her daughter that her life should be different. Sam doesn't fit in at school, where the other girls have the right shade of blue jeans and don't question the rules. Sam doesn't care about jeans or rules. She just loves to climb--trees, fences, walls, the side of a building. When she's...

David likes soccer, but he does not like being goalie, so when it is his turn at the net, he tries a new trick. He is ready to even the score.

Vashti believes that she cannot draw, but her art teacher's encouragement leads her to change her mind.

After he gets hit by a fast-moving ball, Turtleneck Jones loses his confidence on the baseball diamond and sees his position at first base given to another player.

With her adventurous sister, Meryl, suffering from the same illness that claimed their mother's life, meek and timid Princess Addie sets out, armed with magical gifts from a sorcerer, to find a cure.

Even though she's only in seventh grade, Alexis made the varsity tennis team. But some girls on the team aren't happy she's there.

Mr. Fish recalls how, on his very first day of school, he anxiously went to one classroom after another watching students do things he could not, until Miss Hewitt showed him to the room that was right for beginners.

Marissa has always loved dancing, but lately, she feels clumsy and awkward when she dances, and feels bigger and taller than the other girls. She doesn't even bother trying out for the Rose Fairy ballet, but someone else thinks Marissa has what it takes to play the Rose Fairy.

Jake is the best bull rider in his division, but when he takes a bad spill during competition, he hurts more than just his arm. His confidence takes a hit, as well. Jake has to learn to cowboy up and overcome his fear before he can ride again.