Whale Talk

TJ Jones, high school senior whose mixed parentage and rough experiences as a neglected child have made him sensitive to anyone who's mistreated in school, decides to help out a younger kid who's being bullied. How to do it? Create a swim team and make the younger kid a successful athlete. The school doesn't have a pool. but that won't stop TJ and his crew of likable misfits.

Leap of Faith by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Abby has just been kicked out of Middle School because she attacked Brett McAvery, the principal's son, with a Swiss Army knife.  She had good reason, but no one believes her.  Her parents send her to Catholic school where she has to attend religion classes.  She has to choose an elective and her father won't let her take art, so she enrolls in drama. In her drama class, she gets to know Chris.  Abby's family do not believe in God.  Her parents are both workaholics and never pay attention to her.  To get their attention, she tells them she wants to become a Catholic.  As she and Chris become friends, she meets Chris's mother who becomes her sponsor in the church.  Through her religion and drama classes, she makes some decisions about her life and is able to tell her parents how she feels about herself and their inattention.  She tells Chris about Brett McAvery and the problems she had in public school.  The drama, religion, and friendship help Abby to heal.
"A girl is being
bullied, so she brings a knife to school and cuts her bully in the
cafeteria in front of everyone. She is expelled and goes to a private
Catholic school where she struggles to develop a religious faith. It is
a very well written story, but my opinion is that it's too mature for
grades 3-4." Amy Brownlee