Summary: Amelia hates that her migrant-farm-working family must constantly move around. She longs to be settled in one house and one school where she can make friends. Since settling down is not likely, Amelia tries to make do by leaving a box of her prized possessions behind, underneath a favorite tree where she someday hopes to live in her dream house.

Summary: The Sheldons leave Connecticut for Ohio in 1800 with hopes for a propserous new life in a place called Aurora . But they experience hardships along their journey and are surprised to find that they are the first settlers in Aurora and will have to start a community themselves.

Summary: Beatrice is a young Ugandan girl who longs to attend school. Her family receives a goat she names Mugisa for good luck, and with money from Mugisa’s milk, Beatrice’s family can pay for her school fees and uniforms.

Summary: The Native American rite known as the spirit quest is beautifully presented in this story about Chinook boys who seek knowledge of their inner gifts and talents. The message of hope lies in the words of the wise man: “To each a different gift is given, and to each a different dream does come.”

Summary: Rakhi and her grandfather carefully plant a cherry seed. The tree matures and fruit as Rakhi grows into a lovely young woman filled with quiet wisdom and love of life under her grandfather’s tender tutelage.

Summary: Diego loves his grandfather more than anything in the world, but he doesn't get to see him very much because Papa lives far away, in Mexico. When Diego receives a Superman suit for his birthday, he makes grand plans to fly over the border and visit Papa. Though Diego doesn't get to fly, Diego still gets to see Papa--which proves to be the best birthday present of all.

Summary: The hammer that once allowed Grandpa’s dreams to take form, now lies silently on the tool bench. Grandpa’s loneliness and grief is finally lessened when he begins to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. By helping other’s dreams come true, he again finds meaning and satisfaction in life.

Summary: When Grandmother dies, Concepcion must face her future alone and move to the poverty stricken barrio. Yet Concepcion''s handful of seeds provide her with food, comfort, and a sense of hope no matter where she lives.

Summary: A beautiful story of hope fulfilled, I Dreamed I Was a Ballerina combines the words of renowned ballerina Anna Pavlova and the breathtaking paintings of French impressionist Edgar Degas.

Summary: This beautifully illustrated biography shows how the great jazz trumpeteer rose from his poor childhood to greatness by following his dream.

Summary: Inspired by her mother''s African dance class and a friend''s dance outfit, Mimi longs to wear a tutu. Mimi''s wish comes true when her aunts and grandmothers prepare a one-of-a-kind traditional African lapa (dancing skirt) for her.

Summary: The gnawing desire to learn to read is poignantly portrayed in this biographical sketch of Booker T. Washington's childhood. Children will be challenged to imageine life without school and books.

Summary: Night Golf is a story of hope and perseverance that reveals a little-known aspect of American sports history. In the late 1950’s African Americans weren’t welcomed on the all-white golf courses. In this story, James models many admirable character traits as he pursues his dream to become a professional golfer.

Summary: The intense desire for an education leads a poor young Korean boy to eavesdrop at the door of a school where only sons of wealthy families are allowed to attend. This touching story of hope, determination, courage, and honesty was inspired by a true story.

Summary: The childhood of jazz great Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong springs to life in this picture book biography. Luminous portrait-like paintings vividly recreate New Orleans in the early 1900s.

Summary: Tamika, a young African American girl learns patience and empathy as she tries in her own special way to rekindle lost memories for Grandma, who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Summary: Juan, a Latino boy, and Julian a gardener, care for and welcome the singing swallows that return each year, bringing their lovely twittering songs to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano. A beautiful story about hope, friendship, and respect for animals.

Summary: The Festival of the Kites is approaching and Eddie Wing can’t afford to buy a kite for the kite-flying contest. Old Chan, the wealthy patron of the kite festival, notices Eddie and gives him a packet of materials with which to make a kite.

Summary: Isaac is a poor man who has a recurring dream of a treasure hidden in the capital city near the royal palace. He travels far and long, mostly by foot, only to find the treasure was right at home.

Summary: When Momo receives a pair of red galoshes and a new umbrella for her third birthday, she hopes a rainy day will arrive soon so that she can use her gifts.

Summary: This is a story of Zora Neale Hurston, African American author and folklorist, and her childhood influences. Young Zora learns about reaching for her dreams she imagines one day living in the cities she sees from the top of the chinaberry tree.