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

A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes--and so much more--with her mother, her amah and her little sister.

Recent immigrants from China and desperate for work and money, ten-year-old Mia Tang's parents take a job managing a rundown motel in Southern California, even though the owner, Mr. Yao is a nasty skinflint who exploits them; while her mother (who was an engineer in China) does the cleaning, Mia works the front desk and tries to cope with demanding customers and other recent immigrants--not to mention being only one of two Chinese in her fifth grade...

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.

Ramon loses confidence in his ability to draw, but his sister gives him a new perspective on things.

"Mia Tang thinks she's going to have the best year ever. She and her parents are the proud owners of the Calivista Motel, Mia gets to run the front desk with her best friend, Lupe, and she's finally getting somewhere with her writing! But as it turns out, sixth grade is no picnic"--Provided by publisher.

Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child.

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.

Chicago fifth-grader Simon, an aspiring rapper who lacks self-confidence, uses his rhymes to help bring his community together.

Bonaparte the skeleton is literally falling to pieces and needs help from his friends to pull himself together before the first day of school.