Books about determination

Get ready to start your engines with the sassiest mouse in children's literature! In Babymouse: Burns Rubber, our imaginative protagonist and her loyal best friend Wilson decide to take on the world of competitive racing by entering a soap box derby. This installment of the beloved graphic novel series captures the high-speed excitement and hilarious mishaps that fans have come to love. It is the perfect choice for children who love fast-paced stories, quirky humor, and relatable characters who dream big despite their small size.

Ideal for readers interested in graphic novels that blend everyday school-age struggles with wild flights of fancy, this book explores the importance of teamwork and the drive to succeed. Whether Babymouse is daydreaming about being a world-class racer or dealing with the reality of a rickety soap box car, her adventures are always entertaining. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who are drawn to visual storytelling and parents looking for engaging, funny books that build reading confidence.

Highlights:

• Engaging graphic novel format that appeals to reluctant readers.
• Focuses on themes of healthy competition and steadfast friendship.
• Features the iconic pink-hued illustrations and witty internal monologues.
• Encourages perseverance and creativity in the face of challenges.

Meet Babymouse, the spunky and imaginative mouse who has captured the hearts of young readers for over a decade. In Babymouse: Goes Wild, our favorite pink-loving protagonist decides to dive into the world of competitive sports by joining the swim team. While she might have big dreams of reaching the Olympics, Babymouse quickly realizes that staying afloat and winning gold medals requires more than just a fancy swimsuit—it takes grit, practice, and a lot of wet whiskers.

This installment of the bestselling graphic novel series is perfect for children who love funny, fast-paced stories with relatable characters. Ideal for readers interested in sports, school life, and overcoming personal challenges, it combines Jennifer L. Holm's witty writing with Matthew Holm's iconic illustrations. It is a great choice for reluctant readers or those transitioning from picture books to longer narratives, offering a blend of humor and heart that keeps kids turning the pages.

Highlights:

• Engaging graphic novel format that builds reading confidence and visual literacy.
• Relatable themes of perseverance and trying your best in competitive sports.
• Hilarious daydream sequences that showcase Babymouse's big imagination.
• A beloved series with a strong, spunky female lead that appeals to all genders.

Babymouse is back and this time she has a big heart and an even bigger wish: she wants a dog! In Babymouse: Puppy Love, our favorite sassy mouse is tired of her boring goldfish and dreams of a loyal canine companion to join her on her many adventures. However, as Babymouse soon discovers, taking care of a pet is much harder than it looks in her vivid imagination. This eighth installment in the award-winning graphic novel series perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of elementary school life with a pink-hued, humorous twist.

This book is a fantastic choice for children who love funny, relatable stories about everyday struggles mixed with wild daydreams. Parents looking for engaging books for reluctant readers will find the graphic novel format ideal, as the expressive illustrations and snappy dialogue keep the plot moving quickly. It is an ideal pick for readers interested in stories about responsibility, pets, and the ups and downs of friendship. Whether it's Valentine's Day or any other day of the year, Babymouse's quest for the perfect puppy will resonate with any child who has ever begged for a pet of their own.

Highlights:

• Engaging graphic novel format that builds reading confidence in young fans.
• Relatable themes of pet ownership and learning responsibility.
• Hilarious imagination sequences that contrast with Babymouse's real-life mishaps.
• Perfect for fans of the Bad Guys or Narwhal and Jelly series.

Babymouse: Skater Girl is a delightful and hilarious graphic novel that follows the imaginative adventures of the world's most famous mouse. In this installment, Babymouse decides to take to the ice, dreaming of becoming a world-class figure skater. However, she soon realizes that gliding gracefully across the rink is much harder than it looks. With her signature sass and wild imagination, Babymouse must overcome her clumsiness and the pressure of competition to find her own way to shine.

This book is perfect for children who love funny stories with relatable characters. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in sports, ice skating, or those who enjoy seeing a protagonist who never gives up, even when things get messy. The graphic novel format makes it a great choice for reluctant readers or those transitioning from picture books to longer stories. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about perseverance and being true to oneself.

Highlights:

• Engaging graphic novel format that builds reading confidence.
• Relatable themes of trying new things and overcoming obstacles.
• Humorous imagination sequences that keep children entertained.
• Strong female protagonist with a unique and spunky personality.

In the high-stakes world of competitive fencing, Fence, Vol. 3 brings the tension to a boiling point. Nicholas Cox, the underdog with a lot to prove, and Seiji Katayama, the cold and talented prodigy, finally face off again in the halls of King’s Row. This volume is a turning point for the series, as the personal rivalry between the two leads evolves into something deeper, setting the stage for the team's journey to face their bitter rivals. It is a fast-paced, emotionally charged story that perfectly captures the intensity of sports and the complexity of teenage relationships.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in sports manga, competitive dynamics, and diverse storytelling. Parents looking for engaging stories for teens will appreciate the focus on perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery. It is a great choice for fans of Check, Please! or Haikyu!! who enjoy seeing characters grow both on and off the pitch. With stunning artwork by Johanna the Mad and sharp writing by C.S. Pacat, this volume is a must-read for anyone who loves a good underdog story mixed with heartfelt romance.

Highlights:

• Intense fencing matches that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• Deepening character development and evolving relationships between rivals.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• Exploration of themes like rivalry, sportsmanship, and LGBTQ+ identity.

In Hurry Up, Houdini!, Jack and Annie embark on a magical journey to Coney Island at the turn of the 20th century. Tasked by Merlin the Magician to find the secret of greatness from the legendary Harry Houdini, the siblings must navigate the bustling crowds and dazzling spectacles of the amusement park. This Magic Tree House Merlin Mission is perfect for children who love blending real-world history with enchanting fantasy elements.

As Jack and Annie search for the elusive master of escape, they learn that greatness requires more than just magic—it takes incredible determination and the courage to face one's fears. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in famous historical figures and those who enjoy fast-paced mysteries. Parents will appreciate the educational value woven into the exciting narrative, making it a great choice for building reading confidence.

Highlights:

• Features the world-famous escape artist Harry Houdini.
• Explores the vibrant historical setting of Coney Island.
• Combines magic, mystery, and real historical facts.
• Part of the beloved, long-running Magic Tree House series.

Join Jack and Annie on a high-stakes journey back in time to the 1970 World Cup in Mexico City! In Soccer on Sunday, the beloved siblings are on a mission for Merlin the magician to discover a "secret of greatness." This installment of the legendary Magic Tree House series is perfect for children who love sports and those who enjoy fast-paced historical adventures. As Jack and Annie navigate a crowd of 100,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium, they must find the legendary soccer star Pelé before the game ends.

This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in soccer, world history, and magical mysteries. Mary Pope Osborne expertly blends factual historical details with an engaging fantasy plot, making it a great tool for building reading confidence. Whether your child is a fan of the beautiful game or just starting their journey with chapter books, this Merlin Mission offers the perfect balance of excitement and education. It encourages young readers to think about what truly makes someone great—beyond just their skills on the field.

Highlights:

• Features the legendary soccer player Pelé and the 1970 World Cup.
• Combines historical facts with a magical time-traveling plot.
• Promotes themes of perseverance, sportsmanship, and determination.
• Part of the bestselling Magic Tree House Merlin Mission series.

The Trumpet of the Swan is a timeless classic by E.B. White that tells the heartwarming story of Louis, a Trumpeter Swan born without a voice. Unlike his siblings, Louis cannot trumpet to communicate, which makes him feel isolated and worried about winning the heart of the beautiful swan, Serena. With the help of a kind boy named Sam Beaver, Louis embarks on an extraordinary journey to find his own unique way to speak to the world. From learning to read and write to mastering the brass trumpet, Louis proves that being different is no obstacle to achieving greatness.

This charming tale is perfect for children who love animal adventures and stories about overcoming challenges. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in themes of determination and self-expression. Parents will appreciate the gentle humor and the positive message that everyone has a special gift to share. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, this book remains a staple of children's literature that resonates with fans of Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little.

Highlights:

• A touching story about finding one's voice and overcoming physical limitations.
• Features a wonderful bond between a young boy and a wild animal.
• Rich with themes of perseverance, integrity, and the power of education.
• Written by the acclaimed author of other beloved classics like Charlotte's Web.