“Wonder” was written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio. It is a realistic fiction book that I think all kids grades 3 and up should read. The book is about a boy named Auggie Pullman who was born with a facial difference. Auggie has been homeschooled his whole life, but finally in the fifth grade he attends a public school named Beecher Prep.

This school year, Arizona Desert Elementary School had two championship teams, in basketball and volleyball. I set out to learn about our coaches and what makes for winning teams. After interviewing both coaches, a few things stood out to me. Our school has a culture of hope. We say the Kids at Hope pledge every morning. We say “all kids are capable of success, no exceptions.”

I asked what makes a good coach. Ms. Franki Diaz, who coaches our girls 6th–8th grade basketball, said “My love for the sport and willingness to teach it to others” is what makes her a good coach.

Imagine being a child in another country, coming to America with a dream. Dr. Lupita Hightower, Superintendent for the Tolleson Elementary School District had a dream.

As a child, Hightower knew since kindergarten that she wanted to be in education. When she was younger she used to teach her cousins, siblings and the neighborhood kids.