In this inspiring kids’ story, Alessia and the Ability Squad, young readers learn about confidence, teamwork, and standing up for what’s right. Perfect for parents and teachers looking for empowering children’s stories that promote equality, this tale shows how one girl proves that skill, not gender, defines a true champion.
The Ability Squad
“I’m so excited! I can’t wait for tomorrow!” shouted Alessia happily.
“I know, sweetheart, it’s going to be really exciting. But you need energy, so eat your dinner,” said her mom.
Alessia started eating quickly. “Dad! Can we go practice a little after dinner? I want to be in shape for tomorrow!” she asked all in one breath.
“Of course,” her dad replied, “but eat a little slower or you’ll get a stomachache.”
“NO! I can’t let that happen!”
After finishing dinner and practicing a bit with her dad, Alessia went to bed.
“Tomorrow’s going to be amazing,” she thought.
The next day was the beach volleyball tournament. Alessia had been training all winter for that moment.
When she arrived at the beach the next morning, she put on the special outfit her dad had bought her and walked toward the court.
But when she got there, the teams had already been formed… boys vs. girls!
“That’s so silly,” Alessia thought.
“Wouldn’t it be better to make teams based on skill? Without separating boys and girls?” Alessia asked.
“Absolutely not!” said one of the boys. “We want to win, and if we do it this way, you girls won’t stand a chance.”
“That’s not true, and it’s not fair either!” Alessia said angrily.
“Come on, don’t be such a baby,” the boy replied. “Either you play like this, or you don’t play at all.”
Alessia was furious. They couldn’t do this. She had to come up with something.
“Okay girls, we can do this. We just have to stay focused,” said Alessia, who had been chosen as team captain.
“But we’ll never make it!” shouted Martina.
“I agree, they’re too strong… and older too!” added Camilla.
“Come on girls, you’ll see, we can do it.”
The match began. The boys scored point after point, and the girls started to feel discouraged and already thought they had lost.
Alessia didn’t want to give up. It hurt to see her friends so sad. Thinking hard, she remembered something her mom once told her.
“Girls, I have something to say! Come here!” Alessia called.
The girls gathered around their captain, ready to listen.
“I know we’re behind, but I just remembered something my mom told me. It goes like this:
‘It doesn’t matter if they tell you that you can’t do it, or try to make you believe you’re weak. You have value. You’re smart, strong, and capable. Never lose faith in yourself, especially not because of boys.’
You know… I think my mom’s right. We ARE strong. We trained all winter, and we can’t let those boys win! They don’t deserve it! And from now on, we’re the Ability Squad.”
“Ability Squad?”
“Yes! I think it’s a cute name. What do you say?”
“You’re right!” said Camilla. “We can’t lose!”
The match continued, and not only did the girls score many points… they won the game!
After Alessia received the trophy, the boys’ team captain walked up to her.
“You were really good,” he said softly.
“Thanks,” Alessia replied. “Now do you see that being a boy or a girl has nothing to do with skill?”
“Well… yeah, I guess. You won, after all…”
“So how about next year, we form teams based on ability? No more dividing by gender.”
“Yeah, I think that’s better,” the boy agreed, smiling.
“Good,” Alessia laughed.
That evening, Alessia was happy. She had won, and she had put her mom’s words into action.
‘She was right,’ thought Alessia. ‘I should never let anyone make me lose faith in myself.’
And so, Alessia fell asleep happily, the trophy in her arms.
Alessia didn’t just win a volleyball match; she proved a powerful point: that believing in yourself is the first step to changing minds and making a difference.
If you enjoyed Alessia and the Ability Squad, we invite you to explore more of our stories at Storyender that help kids build confidence, courage, and compassion—whether on the field, in the classroom, or in everyday life.
