Sally doesn't take no for an answer when fulfilling her dreams. She faces the stereotypes head-on and races for success and claims it. Follow Sally on her adventure and learn from her courage.

Sally The Sallymander

The players went pale in shock and stood silent as Sal became Sally. She couldn't tell if they were horrified or happy. So she spoke her truth, "See, Girls can play basketball. I just proved it! Girls can do almost everything a boy can, and boys can do almost anything a girl can. We need to lift each other up and include each other because kindness is free, and we all deserve to have a chance to follow our own dreams without having to hide or lie."

Each player took turns shooting hoops until the coach yelled, "Drop and give me 50 pushups each!"&nbsp;Sally hit the ground with confidence and vigor, and when everyone else had hit 50, she was at 62. Go, Sally.&nbsp;

Many basketball players thought "he" was amazing at basketball. "Good job Sal," they said. After Sally went home, she pulled off the bald cap and sighed she had done it. She went to bed grinning.

Sally played with the team every day for two weeks straight, and every day, she got better and better. Then something amazing happened. The coach asked her to join the team and play in their next game.

I'm good, I'm really good. I knew I would be.&#160;

Every day, Sally put on the bald cap, jogged to the gym, and practiced hard to prepare for the game. The night before the match, Sally could hardly sleep. She arrived at the game and felt pride in her accomplishment, and as soon as the coach blew the whistle, she ran for the ball and got it before anyone else while thinking, "I did it; I knew I could." Sally ran over to the hoop and sunk the ball.

The next day Sally went to the everything store and bought a bald cap and a nice hat.

After Sally was satisfied with her new look, she flexed her muscles and headed to the basketball court.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sally went home and lay hopelessly in her bed as tears formed in her eyes.&nbsp;

I'm a hard worker. Why wouldn't I be able to play?

After the last round was played, and Sally's team had won it was announced that she had made the most shots. Though everyone was talented, and they played well as a team. In the end, Sally was chosen to represent the team and collect the trophy. The referee asked if Sal had anything to say for how well he had played. She nodded so he let her speak. Sally said, "Girls can play basketball."&nbsp;

Everyone was surprised and shouted, "No way, boo!" The basketball players didn't believe her. Sally shook her head and decided she had enough of this nonsense and took off the bald cap.

Written By, Phoebe Barker Illustrated by, A. L. Barker Published by, Amie Barker

You can be great too if you dare to follow your passion. What ever it is.

Sally steadied herself, knowing this might be her only chance, and raised the ball to her chest. Then she pushed her arms out, released the ball, and gasped as she waited to see if the ball made it to the hoop.

"All these butterflies swirling and twirling in my belly are going to make me poop myself. Keep it together, Sally."&nbsp;

Sadly, the coach said "no" and walked away.

No, You're a girl, only boys can play basket ball.

"What?.. No! Girls cant play basketball. But you just. What happened!?" The coach shuddered. "Well, I'm a girl, and I just won, so girls can play basketball," Sally said again and stuck her blue tongue out.

The coach shook his head, agreed, then said, "girls can play basketball." For the first time ever, and it didn't hurt him a bit to admit it.&nbsp;

This is Sally's trophy collection! She's amazing!

Fun Fact: Some salamanders can breathe through their skin.

Sally was sitting down under a tree watching a basketball game and thought, "Woah, this is so cool! I wish I could play on a team."

Woah, these basketball players are amazing!

And you might be wondering what Sally is doing right now. Well, she's a pro player and enjoys quiet evenings watching herself play ball on basketball TV.

Sally tried to hide her joy as the ball swooshed through the hoop and bounced right back to her! She felt like a winner already, but much more was to come before she could actually call herself a winner.

She was so inspired by the game she asked the basketball team if she could join in and play with them, or at the very least practice.

Now girls and boys play basketball, and sometimes the girls would win, and sometimes the boys would win. However, it doesn't matter how good you are when you play the game. What matters is if you have fun, make friends and memories.

While questioning her circumstances Sally had a stroke of genius.

"No, that won't work, well maybe? I guess I could try. If they catch me, then I'm out, and I'm out already, so I have nothing to lose, you know what? I'll give it a try. I'm going to dress up like a guy, and I'm going to show them all that I can be just as good!"

What are your dreams?

How are you going to make them a reality? 

Sally approached the coach and asked if she could have a shot, and the coach said "yes." So nervously, she picked up the ball and headed down the court to try her best.

About the Author, Phoebe is a nine-year-old seasoned author who is passionate about witting and reading. She loves to share her imagination with the world. Her kindness can be seen in her writing, and her humor can be appreciated across many generations.&nbsp;

Dedicated to my Aunt Sally the Sallymander.