Smart, Strong, and Brave!

Chapter 2: Growing Stronger

The next month, Amber and Lily played tag at recess. Amber usually watched, thinking she wasn’t fast enough. Her tummy felt wiggly. But she remembered Grammy saying, “You’re strong, Sparky.” “Okay,” Amber said. She ran, dodging Lily’s hand. Amber laughed when she reached the safe spot. Lily said, “You’re fast, Amber!” Amber felt strong. That weekend, Grammy visited and walked with Amber to the park. Amber said, “I played tag, Grammy, and I was fast!” Grammy pushed her on the swings. “See, Sparky? Smart, strong, and brave!”

A few weeks later, at lunch, Lily dropped her tray, and food spilled. A boy laughed and teased her. Amber’s tummy felt tight. She wanted to help but was nervous. She thought of Grammy: “You’re brave, Sparky.” Amber said, “Stop it, that’s not nice!” The boy stopped, and Lily smiled. “Thanks, Amber,” she said. Amber felt a little brave. That night, she FaceTimed Grammy from her mom’s house. “I helped Lily when a boy was mean,” Amber said. Grammy nodded. “You stood up for your friend, Sparky! Smart, strong, and brave.”

One day, Amber and Lily went to the park. Lily ran to the monkey bars. “Try it, Amber!” she said. Amber was nervous. The bars were high, and her hands felt sweaty. She remembered Grammy: “You’re brave, Sparky.” Amber grabbed the first bar and swung to the second. She dropped but smiled. Lily clapped. “You did it, Amber!” Amber felt stronger and a bit braver. That night, Grammy called. “I tried the monkey bars, Grammy!” Amber said. Grammy smiled. “That’s my Sparky! Smart, strong, and brave.”

One morning, Amber’s iPad buzzed while she ate her Cheerios. Grammy’s face appeared. “Morning, Sparky!” she said. “Ready for school?” Amber nodded. “I read a book to my class yesterday, Grammy. They clapped!” Grammy said, “That’s my girl! Smart, strong, and brave.” Amber smiled, but the word “brave” made her nervous. Brave people weren’t scared, and she was just Amber.