Several boys and girls organize a birthday party for their friend, Maria. They bring things they know Maria loves like balloons, carrot cake, and silly hats. At the party, Maria is very happy to be with the friends she loves.
Sarah and her friend make a list of things Sarah can do when her friends tease her. Sarah can laugh with her friends when they tease her, she can tell them how being teased makes her feel, she can play with her other friends, or she can tell a grownup. Is her list a good one?
When the narrator is asked to be a flower girl at her cousin's wedding, she thinks she would rather play ball. When she has to try on dresses, she asks if she can wear jeans. At the wedding in the park, she is afraid her friends might see her and laugh. Instead, everyone smiles at her, and she is glad to be part of such a special day.
Julie is upset because she accidentally messed up her brother's desk. Even though she is nervous to do so, Julie gathers the courage to acknowledge that she is responsible for the mess and ask her brother for forgiveness.
