NCW Libraries

In this heartfelt middle-grade novel from debut author Nicole D. Collier, fifth-grader Jillian must learn to speak and break free of her shell to enter her school's academic competition and keep her promise to her grandmother.

"Nook is small and shy, and she likes to sit in the cozy, comfy space of a hollow tree watching others play. When someone comes along to take Nook's space, she feels lost and afraid, until she discovers she has friends looking out for her in ways she never imagined. This gentle story explores shyness and sensory needs, and inspires kindness, inclusion, and friendship"--

Rabbit, Bear, Squirrel, and Other Squirrel make big plans for a show, but they have forgotten one very important thing and only shy Bear can help.

Miss Shy is terrified of leaving her house and meeting people until Mr. Funny whisks her off to his party.

Wishing to float unseen, extremely shy cloud Kumo decides to pull her fluff together and do her duties, meeting some new friends along the way and inspiring the imagination of a small daydreamer like herself.

Stella Diaz wants to be friends with the new boy in class, but sometimes she accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces words wrong, which makes her turn roja. In addition, she has to get over her fear of speaking in front of the class.

Twelve-year-old Rufus Takada Collins discovers feylings on his grandfather's farm and it is up to him and his cousin Abigail to find the magical train cars that will carry them safely home.

After shy cello player Harriet Henry accidentally knocks the moon out of the sky, the moon becomes her friend, and Harriet gains the courage to share her music.

"Willow is shy. VERY shy. Her home is in an abandoned mailbox, and she'd rather stay put. Outside kids scream and soccer balls collide, trees look like monsters, and rain is noisy in a scary kind of way. It's much nicer to stay inside, drawing. But then a young boy drops a letter in Willow's mailbox: it's a note to the moon asking for a special favor. Willow knows that if she doesn't brave the world outside, the letter will never be delivered, and...

"Tiny is having a party, but Bina Bear is nowhere to be found. Is that Bina hiding under a lampshade? It looks like Bina...but it must be a lamp. Is that Bina beneath the fruit bowl? It could be...but it's probably just a table. Searching for Bina, Tiny realizes something is wrong--and sets out to make it right. This is a humorous yet sincere picture book about friendship, understanding, and embracing our loved ones just as they are."--