 A classical dance prodigy in India, Veda’s heart and soul are in her graceful movements. When an accident on the way home from winning a big competition leaves her with one leg amputated below the knee, her dreams are also shattered. Fitted with a state of the art prosthesis, she must start over as a beginner. Her spirit and courage get her into a school with a revered teacher, Dr. Dhanam, who tells her that dancing is not about competition but “something larger and deeper that self.” With the help of the handsome and talented Govinda, Veda begins to approach dance as a spiritual pursuit. This is the inspiring story of a young girl struggling to regain joy in her art. Told in verse which captures the mystery and beauty of India, it is a moving tribute to the power of art, faith and hope. tags: Tessa's picks, 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, Contemporary fiction, Novels in verse, Character driven, People of color.
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 “Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” Ally has managed to hide the fact that she can’t read by creating disruptive distractions. You feel her anguish at being a smart girl whom classmates have labeled “dumb” and “loser”. A new teacher sees the clever artist and math whiz in her and finds a way to turn her secret toward a path to overcoming her dyslexia. With the help of two quirky sidekicks, the trio of outsiders turn impossible into possible. This heartwarming novel from the author of One For The Murphys, will have you laughing and cheering for its courageous heroine and her inspiring teacher. Tags: Tessa's picks, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, Contemporary fiction, School stories, Issues fiction, Friendship
 Grayson lives with his aunt and uncle, having become orphaned when he was in preschool. For years he would look in the mirror and see himself as the girl he longs to be, a princess twirling in front of her castle. As a sixth grader Grayson is well aware of the ridicule he would face if his secret that he is in the wrong gender’s body were to come out. Hiding his true self has made Grayson isolated and unhappy at school where is called “loser” and “freak.” New friends and trying out for and landing the female lead in the school play open the path to Grayson’s transition. Grayson is an engaging character who will have you cheering for "him" to become "her". This is a touching book about identity, friendship, and the human spirit. Don’t miss it. As E.E. Cumming’s says “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” Tags: Tessa's picks, LGBTQ, Contemporary fiction, 4th Grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, School stories, Family life.
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