Shine! by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about self-discovery and redefining success. The story follows Piper Milly, a kind and creative girl who feels out of place at her new elite school, Chumley Prep, where achievement and competition are everything. Piper’s father, a music teacher, gets a job at the school, allowing her to attend on a scholarship. While surrounded by ambitious, high-achieving classmates, Piper struggles with self-doubt, wondering if she has any special talents. When she gets the chance to compete for the prestigious Excelsior Award, she faces pressure to prove herself. However, along the way, she learns that true success isn’t about trophies or being the best—it’s about kindness, helping others, and staying true to yourself. The novel delivers an uplifting message about the power of character over competition.