Wilma Rudolph wanted to run and jump like other children, but she had a serious disease that kept her leg from growing well. She did not give up and went on to one day win Olympic gold medals.
Ruby Bridges just wanted to go to a good school. She did not ask to be a hero, but she knew how to be strong. Her bravery made it possible for classrooms today to be safe places for children of all races.
Maria Tallchief was inspired to dance while watching Osage dancers as a child in Oklahoma. For tribal ceremonies only men were allowed to dance. But, Maria went on to become America's first prima ballerina.
When Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a young girl she knew she could do anything her brothers could do. But the laws in the country said women were not equal to men. Elizabeth knew she had to make a difference for all women.
Sojourner Truth was born to slaves. She had no choice. But when she grew to be a young mother herself, she ran away with her child looking for freedom. She used her voice to speak for all slaves wanting to be free.
After losing her first two forever homes, Noodle the goldendoodle knows all about the sadness of goodbyes. But in her new home with Andrea and as an official Helper Hound, Noodle helps Gabriel deal with the loss of his grandfather and to discover that our loved ones can be found in the little things all around us even when they're gone.
Max and his sister Lily are staying with relatives while their mom is away getting her own emotional help. Max and Lily are being teased and bullied at school. Their Aunt Eileen calls the Helper Hounds, and soon Robot, an endearing Rottweiler who knows all about bullies, comes to give support. A lot of people think Rottweilers are bullies, but that's because they don't really know how cuddly they can be. Robot and his handler Samuel help the kids at Max and Lily's school deal with bullies while Max and Lily gain new friends.
Mary's new in town. She’s worried about starting classes at her new school. That's why her mom calls the Helper Hounds—and why Sparkplug, the wildly handsome, wickedly smart, card-carrying, world-famous Helper Hound is on the scene. Sparky knows a thing or two about moving. He moved four times as a puppy, and learned to make new friends along the way. Sparky knows he can teach Mary all his best tricks and help her meet new friends, too. At least Sparky thought he could until he met Custard, Mary's persnickety cat. Will Sparky's best tricks be enough to win over Custard and show Mary making friends is nothing to fear?
Portia has overcome a lot in life. Born with Down syndrome, Portia has been through many surgeries, lots of doctor's appointments, and strange looks from people who want to limit what she can do. Inside herself, Portia knows she can do anything—including getting over her fear of dogs. But when Penny shows up at Portia's house, she isn't so sure. After all, Penny is a pit bull—the scariest dogs of all, right? Good thing Penny has a few tricks of her own to win Portia's trust.
As a child, Cesar Chavez worked on farms with his family. He felt the workers were not treated well. Cesar used his voice to become a leader in making sure farm workers were paid better and treated fairly.
Water, air, sunlight, plants . . . we need these elements to live in this world. But does the world need us? And what would happen to the world if humans were gone? Back matter gives further context and discusses what kids (and all of us) can do to truly help our planet.
Feelings can be happy or sad, big or small, easy or hard, and sometimes too complicated to put into words. Young readers will explore different kinds of feelings and the many ways to handle them.
