In his determination to pitch for his neighborhood baseball team, twelve-year-old T.J. adopts the unorthodox style of the legendary Rip Sewell.

"In Grit to Great, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval tackle a topic that is close to their hearts, one that they feel is the real secret to their own success in their careers--and in the careers of so many people they know and have met. And that is the incredible power of grit, perseverance, perspiration, determination, and sheer stick-to-it-tiveness. We are all dazzled by the notion that there are some people who get ahead, who reach the corner...

Today Luna has her dance tryout. Dance shoes-- check. Dance tutu-- check. Dance bag-- check. Most of the class can do the steps, but when it's Luna's turn she ... falls. How will she ever become a real dancer?

Tyler's hope that his soccer team will be undefeated is dashed when his friend Zack, the team's star midfielder, and two more of the Cougars' best players accept an offer to play for an elite travel team.

Upset that he has to give up the room he loves to his grandfather, Pete decides to declare war in an attempt to get it back.

Monkey, having spied a banana tree across the water, will stop at nothing to get a snack.

Poppy is one of the youngest students in her ballet class and worries that she is not as good as the others. When the chance comes to try out for the star role of princess in a show, Poppy is determined to practice as hard as she can. Will she be satisfied with her efforts or take things too far?

In this book with rhyming text, a lamb's parents educate him about the value of practice, perseverance, and attitude to achieve his goal which, for right now, is beating dad at a game.

Walter, a determined little spider, tries to spin a perfect web with different shapes.

Cowgirl A.K. saunters about in her ten-gallon hat and two-quart diaper, insisting she has no time for the potty, until she meets her idol, Wild Wilma Wilkee, who wears underwear.