Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn't mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart.

But then Molly Lou has to start in a new school. A horrible bully picks on her on the very first day, but Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do about that.

Genre
Picture books for children
Realistic fiction
Theme
Dealing with bullies
Subject
Bullies and bullying
First grade girls
Girls
Grandmother and granddaughter
Self-acceptance in children
Teeth

Independent reading level: Grades 1st-2nd
Awards: 2003 Beehive Award -- Picture Book (Winner)
2003 Georgia Children's Book Award -- Picture Storybook (Winner)
2002 Book Sense Book of the Year Award -- Children's Illustrated (Nominee)
2003 Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award -- Grades K-3 (Honor Book)
2003 Buckaroo Book Award -- Children's (Nominee)
2003 North Carolina Children's Book Award -- Picture Book (Nominee)
2004 Flicker Tale Children's Book Award -- Picture Book (Nominee)
2005 Golden Sower Award -- Grades K-3 (Nominee)

I found the art horrifying. My niece makes me read it to her 20 times a day. Help.

We often tell children (and adults) that being unique is special and that being different is ok. Molly Lou Melon is different than her peers and starting in a new school. With self confidence and words of wisdom from family, she makes friends because she is a kind person. ( )