Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

Teased by the other monsters for being nice instead of mean, Onster prefers playing with children and helping them with their chores to frightening them.

"Very short for her age, Julia grows into her sense of self while playing a munchkin in a summer regional theater production of The Wizard of Oz"-- Provided by publisher.

"Duck and Cat discover that being yourself--makes for being the best of friends"-- Provided by publisher.

"Susie is jealous when her brother is deemed a town hero, so she finds solace in the poetry and reclusive lifestyle of Emily Dickinson"-- Provided by publisher.

"Bear doesn't want to be a bear anymore so he tries out what it's like to be a duck. With a few lessons from Duck, Bear realizes he makes a much better bear after all"-- Provided by publisher.

Praised for acting like a big girl when she is small, as a young girl grows, "big" becomes a word of criticism, until the girl realizes that she is fine just the way she is.

A puddle sits despairingly as she is trampled on by humans and animals alike until something miraculous happens that makes her feel worthwhile.

Told in rhyme, Thelma the pony wants to be a unicorn--but when her wish comes true she discovers that there is a downside to fame, and realizes that she was happier at home with her friend.

When she and her new friends discover a portal to a fairy tale realm, Mihi Whan Park finally gets her shot at being a princess, but she must decide where her loyalties lie when her friends want to go home.