The Importance of Determination

The Paperboy

Written by Dav Pilkey

Illustrated by Dav Pilkey

A paperboy and his dog enjoy the peaceful quiet of their early-morning paper route.

Ruby's Wish

Written by Shirin Yim Bridges

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Smart and hard-working, Ruby lives in China at a time when few girls are taught to read or write. Girls are expected to marry, but Ruby's greatest wish is to attend university with the other boys in her family. At the end of the story, Ruby gets her wish: acceptance at a university.

Nothing but Trouble

The Story of Althea Gibson

Written by Sue Stauffacher

Illustrated by Greg Couch

Growing up in Harlem in the 1940s, the energetic tomboy Althea Gibson is nothing but trouble. With determination and support, she learns to play tennis and keep her cool, ultimately becoming the first black person to compete in-and win- Wimbledon.

Soccer Star

Written by Mina Javaherbin

Illustrated by Renato Alarcão

A Brazilian boy named Paulo is determined to become a soccer star. This dream, and the promise of a game with friends after work, are what get him through his days of hard work on a fishing boat. His sister also wants to play, but the team won't let her, until one day they are down a player for a bit match and Paulo votes for change.

The Patchwork Quilt

Written by Valerie Flournoy

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Tanya helps her grandmother make a beautiful quilt out of scraps cut from family members' clothing. When her grandmother gets sick, Tanya is determined to finish the quilt that tells the story of her family's life.