And Bella did give it another shot. The following week, she was back in Mrs. Jacobs’s classroom.
“Glad you came back,” said Mrs. Jacobs with a smile.
Bella smiled, but she wondered if Mrs. Jacobs would be the only one who was happy to see her.
This time Bella had made a point of getting there early and finding a good seat. As the older kids arrived, though, she couldn’t help but notice that none of them said hello or sat down near her.
“Okay, let’s get started,” said Mrs. Jacobs. “So, the contest challenge has been announced and it is a ‘green’ one. This means our robot will need to do two things to help the environment. Why don’t we start by brainstorming ideas?”
Bella may have been obsessed with all things computer and electronics, but she also definitely cared about the environment. She raised her hand.
Mrs. Jacobs asked the robotics team captains to run the brainstorming session. Naomi called on people to share their ideas, and Bryce wrote the ideas down on the board.
“Let’s see,” said Naomi, looking around the room. “Kimaya?”
“Our robot could monitor sunlight and move plants in response, so they get the optimum amount of sunlight.”
“Great idea,” said Naomi. Bella waved her hand, but Naomi called on a boy named Angelo instead.
“Maybe our robot could run on solar power?” he suggested.
“Very cool,” said Naomi.
Finally, Naomi pointed at Bella.
“Me?” asked Bella, feeling a little self-conscious. “My name is Bella. You guys have a lot of great ideas. I have one to add, which is that our robot could—”
RIIIIIIINNNNGGGG!
At the sound of the bell, everyone jumped up and grabbed their things. Everyone except Bella, who just sat there in disbelief.
Mrs. Jacobs came over and put a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll bet you had a good idea. Can you hang on to it for next time?”
Bella nodded, but she wasn’t sure. The older kids probably wouldn’t even like her idea. Plus, they had so many good ideas of their own, they didn’t need a little kid’s help.
Almost as if she had read Bella’s mind, Mrs. Jacobs added, “ ‘Though she be but little, she is fierce.’ ”
Bella looked up, confused.
“It’s from Shakespeare,” explained Mrs. Jacobs. “It’s my way of saying that you matter. So, don’t doubt yourself, okay?” She winked at Bella.
“Okay,” said Bella. But she didn’t wink back.
