2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

Kids

Way Past Mean

Ruby wants her friends to like her more than she wants to be nice to the new girl at school. Once Ruby starts being mean to the new girl, Nelly, she can't stop. She likes being part of Yaz and Keya's group, so she also makes fun of Nelly and hurts her feelings. It's like Ruby's on an out-of-control roller coaster, but it's up to her to stop the ride.

Do You Even Know Me?

Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma's religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy in her class, who bullies Salma for belonging to the culture and faith she loves. However, when things go too far, Salma says, "Enough is enough!" and finds the courage to defend herself while also spreading a message of peace.

You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)

Quirky, stylish and a bit off-the-cuff, Lil TJ is ready for her first day of school. But when she gets there, TJ finds that everything she does is a little different than everyone else and she's standing out in all the wrong ways. Once TJ's classmate Beau notices, he relentlessly teases her. TJ is filled with anxiety and doubt until she recalls some important words of wisdom from her Grandma Patsy. When she looks inside to her own creativity and personality, she figures out how to help herself, make new friends, and help someone else too!

Bully

Sixth-grade friends Lyla and Jamie, both new to their school, stand up for each other when a clique of popular girls bullies them online.

Ease the Tease!

Ease the Tease uses humor and relatability to provide young children with a toolkit of ten age-appropriate, practical, memorable, and customizable strategies for dealing with teasing.