Bookworm for Kids presents books for toddlers to teens and everything in between: board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade reads, tween reads, and young adult literature.
Lucy and her pack are back,
in this sequel to Beth Vrabel’s heartwarming and humorous debut,Pack
of Dorks. Sheldon convinces Lucy, Sam, April, and Amanda to join
him at a week long sleep-away summer camp—Camp Paleo: Live Like a Caveman. Like
cavemen, they’re going to have to make do without air conditioning or a heated
pool. They’ll learn archery and dig for fossils. And Grandma’s coming too;
she’s taking a job as lunch lady for the camp next door.
At the last minute, Sam backs out to go to a
gymnastics training camp instead. Lucy wonders why she misses him so much—it’s
not like he’s her boyfriend or anything. Why does the word “boyfriend” make her
blush, even when she’s only thinking it? She needs a distraction. Enter Mr.
Bosserman, the grouchy camp leader who won’t budge on the caveman aspect of the
camp. The old man needs some softening up, and Lucy knows just the person for
the job: Grandma.
One successful match made, Lucy starts to see
potential lovebirds everywhere. And setting up couples keeps her from facing
the question tickling the back of her mind: Is she in love with Sam? But when
the wrong campers fall for each other, the pack falls apart, all under the watchful
eye of a super secret blogger who’s been writing about the camp’s activities
Gossip Girl–style. Even worse? A thief is targeting everyone but Lucy, setting
her up to look guilty. Soon Lucy again finds herself alone, left to fix the
messes she’s made and face her own feelings. If she fails, the pack may be
splintered for good.
For readers aged 8 to 12, this is a funny but
poignant book about bullying, crushes, the harmful nature of rumors, and the
importance of friendship and telling the truth. A great book to read aloud in
the classroom for discussions or to simply read on a summer trip.
Beth
Vrabel grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. She won a short-story
contest in fourth grade and promptly decided writing was what she was going to
do with her life. Although her other plans—becoming a wolf biologist, a
Yellowstone National Park ranger, and a professional roller skater—didn’t come
to fruition, she stuck with the writing. She is the author of the Pack
of Dorks series and A Blind Guide to Stinkville and A Blind Guide to Normal (October 2016).
Beth lives with her wonderful husband, two charming children, a spoiled rotten
puppy, and two fat guinea pigs in Connecticut.
by Joey Comeau, Louise Simsonson, Sean Tulien, Otis Frampton
Illustrated by Omar Lozano, Jimena Sanchez S, Fernando Cano
Stone Arch Books
Middle Grade Comic/Graphic Novel
176 pages
ages 7+
What do you get when classic fairy tales are twisted about, turned inside out, and reworked for the graphic novel format? Far Out Fairy Tales! Discover what Snow White would be like if she were raised by robots. Find out how Cinderella's story plays out when she walks the path of the ninja. Play along when three billy goats named Gruff get stuck inside a video game. Chase down the Big Bad Wolf with the help of a superpowered Red Riding Hood! Each fairy tale revision holds true to the spirit of the original while adding a modern twist to the classictales we know and love. Experience fairy tales like never before in this innovative series of full-color comic books for kids!
The individual tales are already available.
The collection is expected to be released on
APRIL 1, 2016!
MY TIDBITS
As a fan of fairy tale retellings, I was thrilled to get my hands on this, and I was not disappointed.
The cover and title fit perfectly to what one finds inside--all the favorite fairy tales but from a point of view that is totally unexpected and tons of fun. Written in the good ole comic book style, each 'section' takes one fairy tale and tells it from a completely new direction. Cinderella the ninja wants to meet the prince, but not for the reasons those traditional tellings suggest. And Red Riding Hood is up against a wolf unlike the world has ever seen--good thing she has some secret talents of her own.
This collection is power packed with the flair of super heroes and adventure modern kids are more than accustom to. But the author doesn't want to let those traditional tales fall away and collect dust either. So to help readers maintain a thread to the original tales, there's a one page summary of the traditional tale at the end of each story. To make it even more clear which far out twists are added to the stories, there's a list of each change at the very end. Although I found the summaries of the original tales a great idea, the detailed list of 'twists' seemed unnecessary and almost too much (but that might just be me.)
The illustrations in this are fantastic, exactly that what is to be expected from a graphic/comic book style. They are bright, full of energy and will keep kids hooked. The stories flow well from one scene to the next, never leaving any room for confusion. I wanted to punch and fly right along with the heroes, and cheered when victory was theirs.
As to the original meaning behind fairy tales. . .well, some of the stories convey the message better than others. Adventure, action and excitement take the spotlight in these tales.
Summed up, this is a exciting twist of fairy tales that kids 6+ are sure to enjoy.
A reluctant detective, a criminal mastermind, and . . . sugar?
Amanda Lester wouldn’t be caught dead going into the family business. Her ancestor, Sherlock Holmes’s colleague Inspector G. Lestrade, is a twit. Nevertheless her parents refuse to see his flaws, and she’s going to a secret English school for the descendants of famous detectives whether she likes it or not.
When Amanda arrives at the dreaded school, she considers running away—until she and her new friends discover blood and weird pink substances in odd places. At first they’re not sure whether these seeming clues mean anything, but when Amanda’s father disappears and the cook is found dead with her head in a bag of sugar, they’re certain that crimes are taking place.
Now Amanda must embrace her destiny and uncover the truth. The only snag is that arch-villain Blixus Moriarty, a descendant of Holmes’s nemesis Professor James Moriarty, might be involved, and he doesn’t like nosy little girls interfering in his business.
The first paragraph already made me an Amanda Lester fan. I have a soft spot for Sherlock Holmes (always have had), and the idea that one of Detective Lestrade's (a police detective who had close ties with Mr. Holmes) descendants would be a girl, who wants nothing to do with her ancestry had me smiling right away. Especially when she calls Sherlock Holmes 'Mr. La-di-da boring detective, whoop-de-doo.'
Another huge bonus is the added information at the front of the book. There are maps, floor plans, a glossary and other goodies which allow a reader to visually get everything laid out before the mystery begins--and also as a great aide once the story gets underway. And at the end of the book, there is a list with descriptions of other great detectives, questions to help with class discussions and a nice author interview.
Amanda is a girl with lots of spunk, tenacity, and won't take no for an answer. . .unless it's her parents. Even when she's forbidden to follow her hobby (film-making) and shipped off to some detective school in the UK, she manages to make it all shift in her direction. She's easily distracted and, at times, a little bit scattered brained, but it makes her that much more lovable.
I really enjoyed the fact that the mystery takes place in a 'detective' school. In some ways, it reminded me of the famous Hogwarts (4 different houses, unexpected things around every corner), which made the story that much more endearing. There's lots of fun little details here and there, but there's never an overload on descriptions either. It's just enough at the right times.
As to the story itself, it's a wonderful mystery which is perfect for kids around ten to fourteen years old. Amanda and her friends aren't out to find trouble, but rather notice that something is up bit by bit. This allows the tension to build, while the layers of secrets slowly come to light. It's unpredictable, full of surprises and seasoned with just the right amount of humor.
Summed up, this is a great story which is sure to catch young mystery lovers' attention, and I can only recommend it.
And here she is. . .
PAULA BERINSTEIN!!!
Paula Berinstein is nothing like Amanda. For one thing, she’s crazy about Sherlock Holmes. For another, she’s never wanted to be a filmmaker. In addition, compared to Amanda she’s a big chicken! And she wouldn’t mind going to a secret school at all. In fact, she’s hoping that some day she’ll get to build one.
Thirteen year-old Agent Darcy is one of
the top students at the Bureau of Sneakery, where there are three rules every
agent must follow: never make friends with an outsider, never speak of the
Bureau, and never reveal your real name. Lately, Darcy has hit a rough patch:
her rival, Agent Serena, keeps outdoing her. If things keep going this way,
Darcy is convinced that no one will ever assign her a real mission.
Ninja Steve's city, Ninjastoria, is the home of sword fights,
throwing stars, and Tae Kwon Donuts. Unlike his genius older sister, twelve
year-old Steve isn't the best ninja student. He'd rather be swinging a sword
instead of taking notes in class. Steve, however, is about to learn that being
a true ninja means far more than being able to use a sword.
When Darcy is sent to Ninjastoria as an exchange student, it
will turn both of their lives upside-down and raise all kinds of questions:
What do the mecha-moles want? Who is the man in the gray mask?
What do ninjas eat for lunch? And why is there a menacing tiger on the cover of
this book?
Time to read and find out!
MY TIDBITS
The second I read the blurb on this one, I knew I had to read it. Ninjas and secret agents....it had to be good! And it was.
This is written in two perspectives, Ninja Steve and Agent Darcy, and starts off with a glance into each of their lives. And it is priceless. This isn't a realistic story but rather runs full tilt into a world of fun. Ninja Steve's family is comprised of. . .(guess this one). . .Ninjas! They walk on the ceiling, flip and spin through the air at will, wear black all of the time and have birthday parties I'd never want to experience. And the agents. . .well, they are as strict and agent centered as is to be expected (I can't get the Mission Impossible music out of my head whenever I think of Darcy.)
I really enjoyed the glance into each ones background before they meet and the plot thickens. Steve and Darcy come from very different worlds, and the expectations placed on them are different as well. By gaining this separate look at both of them, it was very clear why each reacts the way they do when things start running out of control.
The descriptions in this book are fantastic. It's never too much but enough to make it play like an action movie before your eyes. There are little oddities here and there which had me smiling the entire way through. It's an amazing world kids (and even I as an adult) will love to dive into.
Where agents and ninjas are involved, there's going to be tons of action. Even at school, Ninja Steve and Agent Darcy are constantly faced with the unexpected. But that's exactly what one would expect from characters like this. Especially reluctant readers will find it easy to get caught up into the story...and at a length of under 200 pages, they won't be scared away by the size.
Of course, there's also a lot of heart in this story. Friendship plays a huge role as well as learning to work with others. Trust is another big one. Not only do they have to trust each other but also their own skills. These messages are never screamed out, but the relationship between Steve and Darcy naturally brings them to light. It's a great friendship, one I hope to see more of in the future.
Summed up, this is a terrific read for middle graders--girls and boys alike. The characters are simply tons of fun as is the world they live in. There's action, heart-filled moments, tension and humor. Simply said, it's a crazy ninja/agent ride.
And here he is. . .
GRANT GOODMAN!!!
Grant Goodman teaches middle school English in Montgomery
County, Maryland.
He is fueled by Ray Bradbury stories, spicy curry, and 9:30 Club
concerts.
Agent Darcy and Ninja Steve in...Tiger Trouble! is his debut
novel.
In London Art Chase, the first title in the new Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series, readers meet 10-year-old twins Mia and Maddie and their adorable little sister, LuLu. All the girls are smart, sassy, and unique in their own way, each with a special little something that adds to great family adventures.
There is pure excitement in the family as the group heads to London for the first time to watch mom, famous singer Gloria Glimmer, perform. But on a day trip to the National Gallery, Maddie witnesses what she believes to be an art theft and takes her sisters and their beloved and wacky nanny Miss Julia, on a wild and crazy adventure as they follow the supposed thief to his lair. Will the Glimmer Girls save the day? And will Maddie find what makes her shine?
MY TIDBITS
The lovely cover and series title, Glimmer Girls, caught my attention on this one, since this is exactly something that would grab the attention of my youngest daughter. The fact that it's Christian fiction only sweetened the deal.
The three main characters are a bundle of joy. The older two are twins (giving them a special bond) and the youngest, Lulu, is boisterous and cute as a button. Their energy and vibrant personalities leap off the pages, displaying a fun loving attitude which is very contagious.
This is a feel good story through and through. Even when problems arise, they are approached with a more than healthy attitude. I appreciated this positive feeling and the warmth it displays. Some of the so-called problems, however, were a bit too quick to solve which puffed a bit of the possible mystery and excitement away. Still, the girl's never ending curiosity keeps the plot on its toes.
There's never a dull moment in this tale and the setting, London, is well done. Little tidbits, descriptions and explanations are peppered throughout the book, helping readers to discover a little bit more about London themselves. This information blends in masterfully with the rest of the story, making it feel natural and not forced.
The writing and dialogue are very natural, and the girls came across as regular girls should...and very happy ones at that. Despite all of the fun and lovely banter in the Glimmer family, it did seem to take awhile before a 'real' plot took hold. And even then, all the activities and sights tended to over-shadow it at times.
One of my favorite things about this book was the illustrations. Bonus points to those! They are scattered rather frequently through the chapters and are a real treat.
Summed up, this is a fun read. The Glimmer Girls are best friend material, and their messages are wholesome and easy for middle graders to relate to. The plot isn't clear-cut, but the girls are endearing and all the attention. I can't wait to see where this group of siblings goes from here.
Twelve-Year-Old SELAH (Say-la) aspires to be an equestrian superstar. That would require a horse.
HER DILEMMA: Grandpa wants nothing to do with horses.
THEN: Selah sees buzzards circling the grasslands behind Grandpa’s farm. They are stalking a horse trapped in wire and Selah is its only hope.
DANGEROUS: The horse is wild and defiant - jeopardizing Selah’s dreams.
FOILED: The legal owner searched for the horse for two years and wants it back.
BUT: Selah is confident that God will provide her heart’s desire.
MEMORIES: Grandpa shows Selah a video, from long ago, of a phenomenal equestrian. Selah declares that she wants to be like her and Grandpa explains the rider was her grandmother.
HOPE: A world renowned horse trainer offers to train Sweet Dream and Selah.
FOILED AGAIN: Her parents could ruin everything unless Sweet Dream’s unruly behavior ruins it first.
LOST: Selah’s opportunity to mirror the equestrian talent of her renowned grandmother evaporates when the horse causes mayhem at the trainer’s facility.
NEVER GIVE UP: Will Selah gather her courage and face up to the trainer to save her aspirations?
"An engaging horse tale with a lot of heart... The story also has plenty of suspenseful passages to keep readers engaged." ~ Kirkus Reviews
"Never a dull moment…" ~ 5 Star Review, Readers' Favorite
"A delightful read for anyone who enjoys a wholesome page turner!" ~ Cathymar, Amazon
"I loved this book! The author is a master story-teller and also taught me a great deal about horses in the book and clearly demonstrated how devoted one person can be to her horse." ~ S. Baggett, Amazon
"This story details hopes, determination, family values and best of all, a magnificent horse with a good bloodline ... A perfect book for horse lovers and all thing 'horse!' " ~ D. Fisher, Amazon
All about. . . SUSAN COUNT!!!
As a young girl, I was captivated by The Black Stallion series. Ownership of a real horse was beyond my grasp, so I consumed horse books. I am still a devoted student of equine training techniques of all disciplines and an avid equestrian. Now caretaker of three equine blessings, I consider them a gift of His unmerited favor.
The only thing more fun than riding horses is writing stories about them.
Pinterest fulfills my desire to have a horse of every color. Ride along: https://www.pinterest.com/susancount/
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: December 31, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Susan Count and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Every time twelve year old Aislin sleeps, she experiences another person’s DREAMS, their hopes or despairs, loves or hates, most fervent dreams, or darkest nightmares. She is weird, a word she hates more than anything else. Though, when her younger brother, Luke, the only person in the world who treats her normal, gets into a car accident, her only hope of saving him is her ability to communicate with him while he dreams.
It isn’t until she dreams with Jessica, another coma patient and her best friend’s little sister, that she discovers her chance to save him. After Aislin guides Jessica back to the waking world, she opens her eyes to find her plan gone horribly awry, and Jessica dead.
Devastated, Aislin must find a way to stop dreaming altogether or somehow perfect it, before she kills her brother, too.
While funny and charming, this book deals with some serious issues, and provides much for parents and children to discuss.
MY TIDBITS
I've read and enjoyed other books written by Theresa Jones, so when I found out that she's taken a turn into middle grade, I was curious what would happen. Now, after reading WEIRD, I can only say that this author definitely should continue to write books for this intended audience.
The warning in the blurb about the serious material made me a little skeptical, mostly because it can be difficult to bring across more 'sensitive' issues in an appropriate way. But there's no need to panic. This book does deal with accidents, coma and pending death of relatives, but the pages are coated with love and care. In a way, it reminded me of the gentle magic found in A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness.
Aislin is a normal girl, except that she has the ability to dream walk (enter others dreams). This never comes across as a super-power but rather a nuisance. Aislin can't control which dreams she gets caught up in. She can't control the dreams themselves, and she can't get out until they're over. Her abilities aren't a secret either. The other kids see her as weird and shun her.
It was refreshing to see a character like Aislin, especially since her abilities put her in such a negative light. She wants to be accepted, but can't even accept herself--something this age group will have no trouble relating to.
This is a deep book, which digs into Aislin's thoughts and hangs tight. She comes across very authentic, and her actions are not only understandable, but fit what a girl that age might really do. It's easy to feel for her, hurt with her, and hope for her.
When tragedy strikes, the world falls apart, but Aislin's parents and family are extremely supportive. It was great to see this family dynamic and brings across a needed feeling of security and protection. Even a new found friend helps cushion the blow, leaving Aislin surrounded in a good environment. And it's exactly this which helps kids, who are reading this, ease into the more serious subjects Aislin faces.
I believe that especially girls ages 9+ will absolutely adore this book and will see a lot of themselves in Aislin. The messages in here are good, and the ending is like landing in a feathered pillow. I can only recommend this one and hope to see many more stories from Theresa Jones.
And here's more about. . .
THERESA JONES!!!
Theresa M Jones is just a regular small town, Texas girl, who loves reading, writing and playing with tech gadgets. When she isn't at work fixing computers and the like, you can find her at home with her husband and two beautiful (and rambunctious) kiddos.
In her spare time- as if there ever was such a thing as "spare time" - she reads and reviews books on her book blog, and writes paranormal romance and fantasy romance novels.
Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the young adult book "Sons of the Sphinx" and "Tutankhamen Speaks", The Quest Books companion to "Sons of the Sphinx" by Cheryl Carpinello.
Sons of the Sphinx
by Cheryl Carpinello
Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 192
For ages 10+
Armed with what she considers her grandmother’s curse, 15-year-old Rosa agrees to help the ghost of King Tut find his lost queen Hesena. Though Hesena’s ba inhabits part of Rosa, finding the whole spirit of Hesena so that she and Tut can be together for the first time in over 3000 years proves to be a harder task than Rosa first thinks. Thrust back into Ancient Egypt with Tut, Rosa discovers that finding Hesena is not all she must do. She must keep out of the reach of the living Horemheb - who crosses mortal boundaries using Seth’s evil magic - if she is to stay alive to make it back home.
2015 Readers' Favorite Finalist YA
2015 IAN Book of the Year Finalist YA
2015 CAL Book Award Finalist YA Fiction
2014 Literary Classics Silver Medal for PreTeen/Tween
2014 Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Tutankhamen Speaks
(The Quest Books Companion to Sons of the Sphinx)
by Cheryl Carpinello
Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 80
For ages 10+
2014 EVVY Finalist & Merit Award for Historical Fiction from Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc.
Long ago the old texts of ancient Egypt alluded to scrolls in which King Tut spoke to the people from beyond the tomb. Many archeologists put this down to an incorrect translation of the ancient Egyptian texts. Others swore to the accuracy of the translation. None of that mattered because the scrolls in question could not be found. Scholars labeled it a hoax, something that never existed. It was ludicrous to imagine someone speaking from the grave. They were wrong on both accounts.
"Sons of the Sphinx is a time-travel thriller featuring a race against time with the stakes being King Tut being separated from his beloved Queen Ankhesenamun for all of eternity as well as the history books forever portraying King Tut's family as traitors to the people of Egypt. I recommend this exciting story to children ages 11 and older who enjoy reading stories about ancient Egypt or who are just looking for their next great adventure." ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
"The author has done a marvelous job of negotiating the disputed points of this era and woven them into a seamless time travel historical adventure for middle grade, teen readers and adults. Her characters are well-developed and manage to appear authentic in both the ancient and modern time periods." ~ Amazon, Barbara Ann Mojica
"I am a fan of historical fiction and I really enjoyed Sons of the Sphinx. It is a well written tale that gives readers a glimpse of ancient Egypt and the lives of Pharaohs who reigned thousands of years ago. The author does a wonderful job of filling in details, where historians are uncertain, that add to the believability of this captivating story." ~ Amazon, Stacie T.
"Carpinello is masterful in her descriptions of ancient Egypt and makes this time travel fantasy very enjoyable indeed. Sons of the Sphinx is highly recommended." ~ Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite
"Full of adventure, self-discovery, and packed with historical facts, this novel is a perfect read for any girl who's going through puberty. If I were still there in my life, I would have given it 5 stars for sure!" ~ Amazon, Erika G.
"Sons of the Sphinx is an engaging work of fiction that incorporates many fascinating historical facts that are skillfully intertwined within the pages of a truly terrific read. Sons of the Sphinx comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval." ~ Literary Classics Book Reviews
Tutankhamen Speaks:
"A delightful way to bring history to children. The author, Cheryl Carpinello, reveals the young ruler’s feelings. The same feelings any of us may have had. We are also shown an interesting way of life peaking anyone’s curiosity to read on. Highly recommend for any age." ~ Sharon, Amazon
"Young adult author Cheryl Carpinello has created an imaginative yet historical retelling of King Tut’s full life story in her new novel Tutankhamen Speaks." ~ Tyler T., Amazon
About the Author: Cheryl Carpinello
I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.
Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello's Writing Pages where I interview children's/MG/Tween/YA authors; my home website Beyond Today Educator, and The Quest Books where I've teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: December 12, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Cheryl Carpinello and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Fourteen year old Jane thought getting through high school was difficult enough with her dad in prison and her mother dating. Throw in being bullied by the popular girl who has everything- it’s completely unbearable. But when terrorists kidnap a boy she cares about, she knows she is the only one who can save him. International Spy, Jane Blond, must prevent terrorists from blowing up her school during the President’s visit. She’ll need all of her courage along with the help of a teen with CIA secrets, a friend with Asperger’s and a parrot with an attitude.
EXCERPT
I turned and waved, and then headed toward my daily battle with the uncrowned Queen of Broxton. Jeff’s very lucky. He doesn’t have to worry about gym because of his condition. As much as I hated gym, I know my best friend Anouk despised it even more because everyone always chose her last. No matter what sport we were playing, Ms. Houseman always appointed Tula and me as captains because she says we have “leadership qualities,” whatever that means. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to follow Tula. You’d think everyone would hate her, but with her stood Hannah, Stacy, and Melanie. They clustered around her like pawns protecting a queen. Tula towered over most of us. She was blond with blue eyes, like many of the people from Uzbekistan, and she speaks English with just a slight accent. Mom told me that the country has lots of oil, and some people are incredibly rich. It probably explains why Tula never bothers to buy clothes on sale and always makes fun of whatever Anouk wears. Amat Mafte, Tula’s cousin, always shows off his wealth as well. Very few seniors drive a red Maserati Quattroporte.
What separates the Uzbeks from the other snobs at Broxton is that both of them hate everything about America. Amat calls us “decadent” while he drives around in his $100,000 car and most of our parents drive minivans. I heard Amat use the word “monkey” to describe all blacks, and he calls Hispanics “animals.” Tula thinks anyone without money is stupid.
I don’t know who told her about Dad, but she’s always saying that the lunch monitor should check the cash register to see if I took any of the change. I hate her. Still, not everyone does. Tula received one more vote than I did last year for class president. It probably didn’t hurt that she gave away tickets to a concert just before the election. I protested all the way up to Mrs. Marshall, but since Tula wasn’t giving away money there wasn’t anything in Broxton’s election bylaws to stop her. I guess Tula could hand out cash to voters, and it would be considered normal election tactics in Uzbekistan.
Gym is very much like prison. Nobody would wear those horrible uniforms if they had a choice. Ms. Houseman would make the perfect warden because she’s always ordering us around.
She blew her whistle and herded us to the basketball court where we first had to choose teams. Tula and I took turns choosing players until there were only two girls left. Maxine could outrun and outshoot Anouk, and my friend stared down at her feet while she probably waited for the inevitable last pick. I knew her well enough to feel her embarrassment. For all her wonderful qualities, nobody would ever mistake Anouk for an athlete—thin with long legs that are so white she really does look like a skeleton, not very well coordinated, and looks like one of those fake Halloween skeletons when she runs. Even so, I didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll take Anouk,” I said. She smiled in gratitude while Tula then selected Maxine and whispered something to her. The girl laughed, but I figured she was just trying to hide her embarrassment for being chosen last.
Gym comes near the end of the day, so I noticed that several people were sitting in the stands. I saw Amat whispering in the ear of some girl I had never seen before. She obviously didn’t go to Broxton because her skirt was way shorter than the school dress code allowed.
Our teams were pretty evenly matched despite us having Anouk. We went back and forth, always within a couple of points of each other. I missed a shot, and Anouk went up for a rebound. What she lacked in talent, Anouk makes up for with heart; nobody ever tries harder. Tula moved closer to Anouk like a shark sizing up its next meal. Tula Markonokov is built like one of those Italian movie stars on the cover of People magazine, the ones whose boobs are always falling out of their tops. My friend Bruce called her “voluptuous” the first time he saw her. Tula jumped, and I clearly saw her swivel one of her ginormous hips so it caught Anouk while she hung helplessly in the air. Anouk went crashing to the ground and landed hard on her back.
