Dragonflies: A Tale of Courage and Respect
She never asked to be brave. But sometimes, bravery finds you. Jordan has never needed to prove her strength—until now. When she’s chosen to step onto the football field to protect her brother’s place, she faces something tougher than tackles: judgment. Whispers in the halls. Doubts in the crowd. And the pressure to stand her ground… alone.
Gabriel has a choice to make. So does everyone else. In Kenton Woods, Gabriel is torn between the life he left and the one he’s building right here. But when Jordan faces unfair treatment, he knows what matters most: standing beside someone when it counts. Even if you’re not sure how.
Because courage isn’t loud—it’s loyal. And respect isn’t given—it’s earned. As friendships are tested, secrets are kept, and unlikely allies emerge, the students of Kenton Woods Middle learn what it means to fight for someone else—and to let others fight for you. All while their principal, “the dragon,” watches from behind stern eyes… quietly cheering for her dragonflies to soar.
She stood up for her brother. Now it’s her turn. And she’s not alone.
🐉 For every kid learning how to speak up—and every grown-up hoping they'll stand together when it matters most… this story is yours.
Looking down the hall at Eddie's receding back, the others turned back to Gabriel, frowning.
"What do you mean?" Liam asked.
"He's been acting weird. Something's up."
Jordan snorted. "It's Eddie. He is weird. That's normal."
Gabriel shook his head. "No, I think he's planning something."
"How do you know?" Jack asked, a hint of concern in his eyes as he slowly started after Eddie. The others followed.
"I'm not sure." Gabriel shrugged. He couldn't put his finger on it, but his instincts told him that Eddie was up to something. He only hoped it wasn't something bad. However, when it came to Eddie, one never knew.
"Where's he going?" Liam asked as they followed their friend across the schoolyard and past the entrance to the library.
"Mrs. Hall didn't catch him at anything new, did she? I mean, he is not on his way to do some chore as punishment for something or other he did, is he?"
Again, Jordan laughed. "Well, it is the most reasonable explanation," she said. "However, he's leaving the schoolyard. Where is he going?"
Jack frowned. "There's nothing here," he said before he suddenly stopped. "Nothing but the football field."
"What?" Liam asked. "What do you mean?"
Running ahead, Jack called over his shoulder."Hurry!"
"Oh, no," Gabriel mumbled again and again as they chased after their friend, hoping to catch up with him before he could do something stupid. Did he have some kind of plan to sabotage the try-outs?
"Eddie!" Jack called once they'd finally gotten close enough to be within hearing distance. Spinning around, Eddie's eyes drifted over them before his shoulders slumped and a look of defeat came to his face.
"What are you doing here?" he asked once they'd caught up with him.
"What are you doing here?" Jordan snapped, eyeing him as though he was an escaped felon.
Crossing his arms, Eddie hissed, "That is none of your business!"
"It is if you're planning something stupid!" Jack insisted.
"Why do you always think I'm doing something stupid?" Eddie whined.
Jordan snorted. "Because we know you."
"Listen," Jack said, stepping up to Eddie. "Whatever you're planning will not help me. Just don't, okay? I'll find some other sport to play, but sabotaging the try-outs won't−"
Eddie's eyes bulged. "Sabotaging the try-outs? What are you talking about?"
Frowning, Jack looked at his friend. "Why are you here?"
Gritting his teeth, Eddie shook his head.
"You understand that we're not leaving, right?" Jack asked. "You can either tell us or we'll follow you and see for ourselves."
"Crap!" Eddie hissed, rolling his eyes. "Why did you have to come? It could've all worked out so well."
"What?" Gabriel asked, suddenly doubting that Eddie had anything unwise planned. The look on his face was too innocent. Not even Eddie could have faked that. "What could have worked out so well? What are you doing here if not sabotage the try-outs?"
As his shoulders slumped, Eddie hung his head. "Fine," he relented. "I came here to try-out for the team. There. Are you happy now?"
For a moment, silence hung over the small group of friends.
Then Jordan almost toppled over with laughter.
