,"h's ,,hank ,hooray6 ,my ,butt ,left ! ,b5*6 ,h5ry ,w9kl] @& ,l9 ,oliv] ,,,illu/rat$ by scott g>rett,' ,9 #a ,volume ,brl ,pages t#a-t#b & #a-#fd ,pr9t ,pages #a-#abd ,sponsor$ & ,pres5t$ by3 ,am]ican ,ac;n ,fund = ,bl ,*n & ,adults #ahjj ,johnson ,/reet ,baltimore1 ,m>yl& #babcj www4ac;nfund4org ,produc$ at ,na;nal ,brl ,press www4nbp4org t#a ,text copy"r ^c #bjag by ,h5ry ,w9kl] & ,l9 ,oliv] ,produc;ns1 ,9c4 ,illu/ra;ns copy"r ^c #bjag by ,scott ,g>rett4 ,publi%$ by ,p5gu9 ,"w%op1 an impr9t ( ,p5gu9 ,r&om ,h\se ;,,llc1 #cde ,hudson ,/reet1 ,new ,york1 ,new ,york #ajjad4 ,,isbn #igh-#a-#aja-#iiehf-#j www4p5gu94com_/"yr1d]s ,to ,/acey = yr love1 pati;e1 & support4 ,& to mil+ ,cole1 ? "o is j = y,-,,lo ,= my sweethe>t ,jakki & my wond];l boys6,-,,sg ,"h's ,,hank #a ,hooray6 ,my ,butt ,left ! ,b5*6 ,,*apt] #a 8,i h a grt idea10 ,i sd to my be/ frs1 ,frankie ,t[ns5d & ,a%ley ,w;g4 8,af s*ool td1 let's put on a worm race4 ,n j any worm race4 ,! ,f/-,"e ,hank ,zipz] ,uphill ,worm ,spr9t40 ,x 0 ,taco ,tues"d1 & we 7 9 \r s*ool lun*room eat+,-y guess$ x,- tacos4 ,i l m9e ) no onions4 8,two problems10 ,frankie sd1 8 m\? full ( *eese & ------------------------------------#b b1ns4 8,numb] "o3 ,worms >e sl[ & slimy40 8,y1h10 ,a%ley agre$4 8,x's s gross :5 !y l1ve t icky slime trail40 8,no1 slime is gd10 ,i sd4 8,! trail w give u pro( ( : worm crosses ! f9i% l9e f/40 8,okay1 ,zip1 ,i'll give y t10 ,frankie sd4 8,b we / h problem #a numb] two4 ,": >e we go+ to f9d a#b ^! spe$y worms80 8,i've got t solv$10 ,i sd4 8,i saw ?ree ( !m /ick+ _! h1ds \ ( ! dirt 9 ! plant] 9 front ( \r build+ ? morn+4 ,!y 7 practically be7+ me to let !m race4 ,i bet !y'll 2 "! af s*ool40 ------------------------------------#c ,a%ley & ,frankie gave ea* o!r a weird look4 8,actually1 ,hank10 ,a%ley sd sl[ly4 8,frankie & ,i >e busy af s*ool td40 8,busy do+ :at8 ,! ?ree ( u alw d an af-s*ool activ;y tgr40 8,li/51 ,zip10 ,frankie sd1 putt+ 8 hot-sauce-cov]$ h& on my %\ld]4 8,a%ley & ,i h be5 ask$ to 2 on ! second-grade basketball t1m4 ,! "o t's go+ to play ,,ps #ia 9 \r ye>ly game40 ------------------------------------#d ,t totally took me by surprise4 8,r1lly80 ,i sd4 8,h[ come ,i didn't he> ab ?80 ,a%ley pu%$ h] sp>kly purple glasses up on h] nose4 8,well10 %e sd1 8!y only ask$ a#d ! kids :o >e r1lly gd at basketball 9 gym class4 ,any"o else :o wants to 2 on ! t1m c come to try\ts4 ,"! >e / "s op5 spots40 ,i 0 quiet z h] ^ws b\nc$ >.d 9 my bra9 l a ,p+-,p;g ball4 ,frankie knew :at ,i 0 ?9k+4 8,hey1 don't feel bad1 ,zip10 he sd4 8,!y only ask$ c]ta9 ------------------------------------#e kids 2c ? is a r1lly important game4 ,\r s*ool has b1t5 ,,ps #ia two ye>s 9 a r[4 ,if we w9 ? ye>1 x w 2 a ?ree-p1t4 ,! f/ ?ree-p1t "e 9 ! :ole hi/ory ( ,,ps #hg60 8,b ,i want to play1 too10 ,i sd4 8,x says "r on my report c>d t ,i play well ) o!rs40 8,y sure d1 ,zip4 ,b y h to admit1 y're n t grt at basketball40 8,:at exactly >e y say+1 ,frankie8 ,t ,i'm %ort80 8,no1 t's n x10 ,frankie sd4 8,look at ,a%ley4 ,%e's %ort & %e's on ! #c t1m40 a#e ,\*1 t hurt4 ------------------------------------#f 8,i'm n %ort10 ,a%ley sd4 8,i l to ?9k ( myf z v]tically *all5g$40 8,me too10 ,i sd4 8,i'm go+ to ask ! coa* if ,i c try \40 8,:y n80 ,a%ley sd4 8,x n"e hurts to try4 ,if y don't1 y'll n"e "k40 8,okay1 ,i'm go+ to d x4 ,by ! way1 :o is ! coa*80 8,ms4 ,adolf10 ,a%ley sd1 8! f\r?-grade t1*]40 ,i felt my ?roat ti4 ,x 0 h>d 5 to ask to 2 on a t1m t nobody want$ y on4 ,b n[ ,i 0 go+ to h to ask ! m1ne/ t1*] on ! :ole planet ,e>?4 ,j look+ at ,ms4 ,adolf sc>$ me d[n to my b"os4 ,h] hair 0 gray4 ,h] clo!s a#g 7 gray4 ,h] face 0 gray4 ,ev5 h] br1? 0 gray4 8,hey1 look10 ,a%ley sd1 po9t+ acr ! room4 8,ms4 ,adolf is on lun* patrol4 ,%e's /&+ ov] "! by ! dess]ts1 mak+ sure no "o takes "o40 ------------------------------------#h 8,g talk to h] n[1 ,zip10 ,frankie sd1 giv+ me a pu%4 8,tell h] y want to 2 on ! t1m40 ,i got to my feet1 walk$ ov] to ,ms4 ,adolf1 & gave h] my be/ ,zipz] smile4 ,%e did n smile back4 8,don't ev5 ?9k ab tak+ "o ( ^! dess]ts10 %e b>k$ at me4 8,x w rot ------------------------------------#i yr tee? & ru9 yr bra940 8,actually1 ,ms4 ,adolf1 ,i'm "h to talk basketball4 ,i'd l to try \ = ! second-grade t1m t y're coa*+40 ,%e pull$ h] gray glasses d[n on h] gray nose & />$ at me l ,i 0 a flea t j fell (f a dog4 8,c y %oot80 %e ask$4 #e 8,no40 a#i 8,c y reb.d80 8,no40 8,c y jump hi<80 8,no40 8,c y dri2le80 8,only f my m\?10 ,i sd4 ,!n ,i crack$ up4 ,b n ,ms4 ,adolf4 ,%e j si<$ h1vily4 -----------------------------------#aj 8,"! w 2 an op5 try\t ? afn at ?ree1 9 ! gym10 %e sd4 8,i've alr select$ f\r play]s = ! t1m4 ,b ,i c add five m to r.d \ ! ro/]4 ,y c come !n1 b don't get yr hopes up40 8,grt1 ,i'll 2 "!10 ,i sd4 -----------------------------------#aa 8,y'll see4 ,i'm go+ to surprise y40 ,z ,i walk$ away1 ,i felt pretty gd1 & my hopes 7 up 444 until ,i sudd5ly r1liz$ t ,i _h no?+ to surprise h] )4 ,n "o ?+4 ,i _h to come up ) "s?+4 ,& fa/4 ,,*apt] #b #ab ,,,f\r ways i cd surprise ms4 adolf at basketball try\ts,' ,,,by hank zipz],' #a4 ,i cd >rive 9 a full bunny suit ) e>s & a flu6y cottontail4 "<,? has no?+ to d ) basketball1 b boy1 wd t surprise ,ms4 ,adolf4"> -----------------------------------#ac #b4 ,i cd buy two t9y ladd]s & tie !m to ! bottom ( my feet to make myf tall]4 "<,t wd surprise "ey"o1 9clud+ me1 2c "!'s no s* ?+ z a t9y-ladd] /ore4"> #c4 ,i cd make t5 slam dunks 9 a r[4 "<,n only wd t surprise ,ms4 ,adolf1 x wd surprise ! 5tire sol> sy/em1 9clud+ "eybody on ,neptune4"> #d4 ,"! is no numb] f\r4 ,sorry1 ,i'm n gd at c.t+4 #g ,,*apt] #c #ad-#ae ,af s*ool1 ,i hurri$ to ! gym4 ,i ?"\ t 2+ ! f/ "o at try\ts wd impress ,ms4 ,adolf4 ,maybe ,i cdn't dri2le1 b at l1/ ,i cd 2 on "t4 ,:5 ,i 0 halfway d[n ! hall1 ,i r1liz$ t my body felt aw;lly li.d & spr9t$ back to class4 ,:5 ,i r1*$ ! -----------------------------------#af door1 my t1*]1 ,ms4 ,fl[]s1 0 /&+ "! hold+ my backpack \ 9 front ( h]4 ,%e "ks me s well4 8,=get "s?+80 %e ask$ ) a smile4 8,?anks1 ,ms4 ,fl[]s10 ,i sd1 tak+ ! backpack & fl++ x ov] my %\ld]4 8,by ! way1 ,hank10 %e :isp]$4 8,did y "k yr backpack smells /r;gly ( pickles80 8,y1h1 isn't x grt8 ,i spr9kle a ll pickle juice 9 "! "s"ts1 j to keep my nose happy40 a#af 8,y're an 9t]e/+ boy10 %e sd4 -----------------------------------#ag 8,?anks ag10 ,i %\t$ z ,i took (f d[n ! hall4 ,:5 ,i got to ! gym1 ,i flew "? ! door4 ,un=tunately1 ,ms4 ,adolf 0 /&+ "r 9 front ( x1 & ,i ran smack 9to h]4 ,%e didn't exactly fall d[n1 b %e /umbl$ =w>d a few /eps1 : made h] bl[ h] :i/le r1lly l\d4 ,! :ole gym got quiet1 wait+ to see h[ mad %e 0 go+ to get4 -----------------------------------#ah ,%e got pretty mad4 8,( c\rse x's y1 ,h5ry10 %e sd1 squ9t+ at me ) h] b1dy gray eyes4 8,i'm sorry1 ,ms4 ,adolf4 ,i didn't m1n to knock y ov]40 8,b y did10 %e sd4 8,"ey"o else seems to h gott5 "h )\t cr1t+ an a3id5t4 ,& :at is t t]rible pickle odor80 8,g>lic dills10 ,i answ]$4 8,!y're my favorite40 #i 8,p]h y & yr pickles c /& a#ah f>!r away10 %e sd1 hold+ h] nose4 ,i took a few /eps back4 ,x 0 !n ,i notic$ t ,ms4 ,adolf 0 we>+ %orts4 -----------------------------------#ai ,my eyes alm popp$ \ ( my h1d4 ,%e isn't ! k9d ( p]son :o we>s %orts4 ,h] bony gray knees look$ l !y _h n"e se5 "dli.d ! room4 ,frankie & ,a%ley 7 sitt+ 9 ! bl1*]s1 & next to !m 7 ,h1!r ,payne & ,nick ,mc,kelty4 ,"! 7 five o!r second-grad]s wait+ to try \ = ! t1m1 j l me4 8,bas$ on _! excell5t p]=m.e 9 gym class1 ,i h alr *os5 ! foll[+ /ud5ts = \r t1m10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd1 r1d+ f a clipbo>d4 8,frankie ,t[ns5d1 ,a%ley ,w;g1 ,h1!r ,payne1 & ,nick ,mc,kelty40 -----------------------------------#bj .1,nick .1,mc,kelty6 ,:y wd any"o *oose ,nick ! ,tick8 ,t guy moves l a dump truck4 ,& 2ss1 he's ! wor/ sport 9 ! _w4 ,maybe he got pick$ 2c 8 h1d looks l a basketball1 only ) a#bj tee?4 8,td1 ,i w pick five m play]s to complete \r t1m10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd4 8,"o to play on ! ma9 t1m1 & ! o!r f\r w s]ve z backup on ! b5*40 8,i'm r1lly gd at back+ up10 ,i sd ) a big smile4 8,i c walk backw>d f ,ms4 ,fl[]s's classroom all ! way to ! wat] f.ta940 ,"ey"o 9 ! bl1*]s h[l$4 ,well1 "ey"o except -----------------------------------#ba ,mc,kelty4 ,ev5 ?\< ,i didn't m1n to 2 funny1 x sure felt gd he>+ !m lau<4 8,z usual1 ,h5ry1 y h mis"u/ood10 ,ms4 ,adolf sn>l$4 8,i'm ask+ y to sit on ! b5* z a backup play] :o goes 9 ! game :5 we ne$ a sub/itute40 -----------------------------------#bb 8,b ,i don't want to 2 a sub/itute1 ,i want to 2 "o ( ! ma9 guys40 8,in t case10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd1 8y may try \ f/4 ,let's see if y qualify4 ,i want y to pick up ! basketball1 #aa dri2le f "o 5d ( ! c\rt to ! a#bb o!r1 & :5 y get to ! basket1 %oot40 8,no problem10 ,i sd1 toss+ my backpack on ! floor4 ,frankie got up f ! bl1*]s & h&$ me a basketball4 8,/ay calm1 ,zip10 he :isp]$ 9 my e>4 8,focus4 ,y c d ?40 ,i took ! ball & walk$ to ! 5d ( ! c\rt4 ,:5 ,i turn$ >.d & look$ up at ! basket1 x seem$ l x 0 miles away4 -----------------------------------#bc ,on ! "o h&1 t 0 bad4 ,on ! o!r h&1 t 0 r1lly bad4 ,b ,i told myf t if ,i j us$ ! old ,zipz] attitude1 ,i cd d x4 ,i took a deep br1? & b\nc$ ! ball4 ,to my surprise1 x came "r back to ! palm ( my h&4 ,hey1 ? wasn't s h>d4 ,i took a few m /eps & b\nc$ ! ball ag4 ,"! x was1 "r back 9 my h&4 .7,look at me1 _w1 ,i'm dri2l+6 .7,oh wait1 don't look at me n[1 _w6.' ,sudd5ly1 ! ball left my h& & took (f l x _h a m9d ( xs [n4 #bd ,x roll$ all ! way acr ! c\rt1 )\t me atta*$4 ,i gl.ed ov] at ,a%ley4 ,%e 0 cov]+ h] eyes4 8,hey1 butt]f+]s10 ,nick ,mc,kelty %\t$ f ! bl1*]s4 8,y call t basketball8 ,i call x b[l+40 ,!n he let \ "o ( 8 rh9oc]os snorts4 -----------------------------------#be ,i rac$ acr ! c\rt & pick$ up ! ball1 fla%$ a smile l ,i _h m1nt to drop ! ball1 & w5t back to ! c5t] ( ! c\rt4 ,z ,i />t$ to dri2le ag1 ,i notic$ t ,ms4 ,adolf 0 writ+ "s?+ d[n on h] clipbo>d4 ,i 0 pretty sure %e 0 n writ+ 8,excell5t job40 ,i tri$ ! dri2l+ ?+ f\r m "ts4 ,"o "t ,i dri2l$ ! ball on my toe4 ,ano!r "t x j /opp$ d1d on ! floor 9 front ( me4 ,& y don't ev5 want to "k ab ! two "ts ,i fell on my butt4 ,f9ally1 ,i pick$ up ! ball & ran acr ! c\rt to ! net4 -----------------------------------#bf .7,"! >e a lot ( ways to get #ac to ! net1.' ,i ?"\4 .7,& ? is a#bf my way4.' ,i />$ up at ! basket4 ,x seem$ hi<] ?an ,i imag9$4 ,i took aim1 b5t my knees1 & pu%$ ! ball ) all my mic4 ,x 0 a pretty gd %ot1 if ,i d say s myf4 ,too bad x didn't g any": ne> ! basket4 ,x seem$ to take a left turn "s": ne> ,ms4 ,adolf's h1d4 ,%e duck$1 -----------------------------------#bg b n 5\<4 ,! ball b\nc$ (f ! back ( h] h1d1 flatt5+ h] gray bun l a pancake4 ,oops4 ,"s?+ told me ? 0 n ! be/ way to make ! t1m4 -------------------------------#bh-#bi ,,*apt] #d ,:5 ,i 0 f9i%$1 ,i sat d[n 9 ! bl1*]s & wat*$ ! re/ ( ! kids try \4 ,! next two kids 7 v impressive4 ,ryan ,%imozato sunk 8 f/ basket4 ,x didn't ev5 t\* ! rim1 j w5t a#bi /raisal "r af try\ts4 ,e "t %e dri2l$ ! ball1 %e did a ballet l1p acr ! floor4 ,we ?"\ %e 0 %[+ (f1 b ,ms4 ,adolf lapp$ x up4 -----------------------------------#ca ,once "ey"o _h 8 or h] turn1 ,ms4 ,adolf told u all to l9e up on ! c\rt4 ,z ,i wat*$ h] look+ d[n at h] clipbo>d1 ,i got r1lly n]v\s4 ,%e 0 tak+ h] "t1 & e second t w5t by made me ev5 m jumpy4 ,x's a gd ?+ ,i 0 /&+ 9 2t ,frankie & ,a%ley1 or ,i wd h b\nc$ \ ( my sk94 #ae ,i didn't ev5 notice :5 a#ca ,pr9cipal ,love walk$ 9to ! gym4 8,well1 :at k9d ( ga!r+ d we h "h8 ,"s?+ sports-relat$1 ,i presume10 he sd4 8,x's basketball try\ts10 ,a%ley answ]$4 8,ah1 yes6 ,t wd expla9 :y ,ms4 ,adolf is we>+ %orts40 -----------------------------------#cb ,ms4 ,adolf gave hm a na/y />e4 8,excuse me1 ,pr9cipal ,love10 %e sd4 8,i 0 j ab to ann\nce :o made ! second-grade t1m t w compete ag/ ,,ps #ia40 8,g "r ah1d10 he sd4 8,i'd love to meet ! t1m4 ,"! is no?+ m ?rill+ ?an wat*+ a t1m 2 a t1m1 "picipat+ 9 t1m"w40 -----------------------------------#cc ,don't get upset if y didn't "u/& t s5t;e4 ,no "o "u/&s ,pr9cipal ,love :5 he talks4 ,we j wat* 8 lips move until he's d"o4 8,w ! foll[+ /ud5ts pl1se /ep =w>d10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd4 8,frankie1 a#cc ,a%ley1 ,nick1 ,h1!r1 & ,katie4 ,^! >e ! *n :o w make up \r f/-/r+ t1m40 ,i 0 glad = !m4 ,well1 to 2 h"o/1 ,i wasn't t glad = ,nick ,mc,kelty1 b ,i 0 truly happy = ! o!rs4 ,i knew ,i wasn't a />t]4 ,b ,i cross$ my f+]s 2h my back1 hop+ t ,i cd at l1/ 2 a -----------------------------------#cd sub/itute4 ,all ,i want$ 0 to 2 a memb] ( ! t1m4 8,i'd l ! foll[+ /ud5ts to /ep =w>d n[10 ,i he>d ,ms4 ,adolf say4 8,y w 2 \r sub/itute play]s1 a v important "p ( ! t1m4 ,kim ,paulson1 ,ryan ,%imozato1 & ,luke ,:itman4 ,luke1 pl1se keep yr f+]s \ ( yr nose :5 y're play+40 ,! ?ree kids /epp$ =w>d4 ,"! 0 only "o place left4 ,i cross$ my f+]s s h>d1 ,i cdn't feel ! tips4 .7,pl1se6 ,let h] pick me6.' 8,! la/ p]son10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd1 8is ,samir ,patel40 ,samir /epp$ =w>d to jo9 #ag ! o!r ?ree4 ,t left me1 only me1 #ce /&+ by myf 9 ! back r[4 ,i cd feel ! te>s want+ to %oot d[n my *eeks4 ,i 0 b>ely able to hold !m back4 8,excuse me1 ,ms4 ,adolf10 ,pr9cipal ,love sd1 walk+ up "r next to h]4 8,y c't l1ve "o * \40 8,t * is completely -----------------------------------#cf unskill$ 9 basketball10 %e answ]$1 po9t+ at me4 8,i'm sure y w f9d "s appropriate role = hm on ! t1m10 ,pr9cipal ,love sd4 8,ev5 ! smalle/ ant c c>ry "o hundr$ "ts xs [n body weiry five ?\s& "ts _! body weid40 ,i took a big /ep & jo9$ ! o!r kids 9 l9e4 ,i'd made x6 ,i 0 on ! t1m4 8,practice 2g9s tm at ?ree o'clock10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd4 8,be prompt4 ,2 focus$4 ,& no gum *ew+ dur+ practice40 ,i 0 s glad to h be5 *os54 ,i made a promise to myf3 ,i 0 go+ to 2 prompt4 ,i 0 go+ to 2 focus$4 ,& ,i 0 go+ to 2 gum.s4 -------------------------------#ch-#ci ,,*apt] #e 8,i made ! basketball t1m10 ,i blurt$ \ at ! d9n] table t nid ( x40 8,x's :5 y assi/ ano!r play] by pass+ ! ball s he or %e c %oot10 ,emily sd4 8,"ey"o "ks t4 ,ev5 ,ka!r9e40 ,emily's pet iguana1 ,ka!r9e1 :o sits on h] %\ld] dur+ d9n]1 :ipp$ h] t;gue \ -----------------------------------#da & hiss$ at me4 8,no "o wants to he> f y10 ,i snapp$4 8,y didn't make ! t1m40 8,d n take t t"o ( voice ) ,ka!r9e10 ,emily sd4 8,%e's v s5sitive40 8,awww 444 :at's go+ to happ580 ,i sd1 fak+ a nice t"o ( voice4 a#da 8,is %e go+ to cry :5 %e's spitt+ up lettuce balls80 8,= yr 9=ma;n1 ,ka!r9e dige/s h] lettuce v well10 ,emily snapp$4 8,all "r1 y two10 my dad sd4 8,t's 5\<4 ,hank1 af d9n] ,i'll take y d[n/airs to ! base;t c\rty>d & give -----------------------------------#db y "s basketball po9t]s40 8,grt idea1 ,dad1 b "!'s no basketball hoop 9 ! c\rty>d40 8,l1ve x to yr cr1tive dad10 he sd4 8,okay10 ,i sd1 ev5 ?\< ,i _h no idea :at he 0 talk+ ab4 8,i didn't "k y play$ basketball1 ,/anley10 my mom sd4 ,my dad k9d ( pu6$ up 8 *e/4 8,i 0 a pretty fair play] 9 my "d4 ,!y call$ me ,dr4 ,dunk40 8,w[1 ,dad10 ,i sd4 8,i didn't "k y 7 a doctor1 too40 8,t 0 8 nick"n1 y mu69 h1d10 ,emily sd1 82c ,dad scor$ a lot ( po9ts40 8,i ?9k y boys #ba w h fun play+ basketball tgr10 #dc my mom sd4 ,i wasn't sure4 ,my dad c get r1lly impati5t :5 he's try+ to t1* me a game4 ,la/ week1 he 0 try+ to t1* me h[ to play ,scra2le1 : is n a gd game = me s9ce ,i c't spell4 ,i tri$ to expla9 to hm t he cd roll 8 eyes at me all he want$1 b x wasn't go+ to help me 2 a bett] spell]4 ,my dad su7e/$ we skip dess]t & g "r d[n/airs to practice4 ,t 0 okay ) me1 s9ce my mom is 9to mak+ sup] h1l?y1 semi-4gu/+ dess]ts4 ,t nid4 ,x's a ce;t squ>e surr.d$ on all f\r sides by \r t5-floor a"p;t build+4 ,my dad r1*$ 9to a groc]y bag he 0 c>ry+ & pull$ \ two wire hang]s4 ,he twi/$ !m tgr1 !n b5t !m 9to a circle & hung !m up on a nail t 0 /ick+ \ ( ! brick4 a#dd 8,? is call$ us+ yr h1d10 my dad sd1 po9t+ to 8 homemade basket4 8,n[ let's -----------------------------------#de practice us+ yr h&s4 ,take yr f/ %ot40 ,i held ! ball 9 my h&s & took aim4 ,j z ,i 0 ab to let x g1 ,i he>d a noise f ,mrs4 ,p>k's a"p;t4 ,x s.d$ l a t1kettle go+ (f4 ,i turn$ to foll[ ! noise1 & ! ball w5t sideways4 ,x n"e ev5 came close to ! basket4 ,my dad %ook 8 h1d4 8,y ne$ to focus10 he sd4 8,3c5trate4 ,keep yr eyes on ": y want ! ball to g4 ,"u/&80 8,completely1 ,dad10 ,i sd4 ,i pick$ up ! ball & took aim ag4 ,? "t1 ,i />$ z h>d z ,i cd at ! basket,- until a fat -----------------------------------#df gray pigeon swoop$ d[n f a w9d[sill4 ,i saw x f ! corn] ( my eye j z ,i let g ( ! ball4 ,once ag,-y guess$ x,-,i %ot a total air ball4 ,i cd see ! fru/ra;n build+ up #bc 9 my dad4 a#df 8,let's give %oot+ a re/10 he sd ) a si<4 8,let me see y dri2le40 -----------------------------------#dg ,i pick$ up ! ball & dri2l$ >.d ! c\rty>d4 ,at l1/1 ,i tri$ to4 ,x's a gd ?+ "! 7 f\r walls >.d me4 ,o!rwise ! ball wd h roll$ 9to ! ,hudson ,riv]4 ,f9ally1 we got to pass+4 8,okay10 my dad sd4 8,i'll pass to y1 & z soon z y cat* x1 pass x back to me4 ,/ep =w>d to meet ! ball40 ,he ?rew me ! ball1 & x l&$ on my *e/1 b ,i held on to x4 ,!n ,i ?rew x back to hm1 : wasn't easy1 2c he 0 mov+ all >.d ! c\rty>d4 ,we m/ h pass$ ! ball 2t u five or six "ts 9 a r[4 -----------------------------------#dh 8,hey10 ,i sd1 /opp+ to cat* my br1?4 8,i'm r1lly gd at pass+4 ,t makes me feel grt40 8,don't get ov]confid5t10 my dad sd4 8,:at y ne$ is game "t4 ,"!'s no bett] way to le>n ! game40 8,i'll n"e get game "t10 ,i expla9$4 8,i'm j a sub/itute4 ,ms4 a#dh ,adolf doesn't want to put me in40 8,we'll see ab t10 my dad sd4 8,no son ( m9e j sits on ! b5*4 ,tm1 ,i'm go+ to s*ool to h a *at ) ? ,ms4 ,adolf40 -----------------------------------#di 8,t's n s* a gd idea1 ,dad4 ,ms4 ,adolf is n v *atty40 8,i'm go+ to ask h] to put y 9 ! game10 my dad sd4 8,all y h to d is hu/le m & y'll get bett]4 ,b y c't hu/le )\t ! opportun;y40 ,e muscle 9 my body froze at ! idea ( my dad tell+ ,ms4 ,adolf to put me 9 ! game4 ,numb] "o3 ,ms4 ,adolf doesn't l to 2 told :at to d4 ,numb] two3 ,did ,i m5;n ,ms4 ,adolf doesn't l to 2 told :at to d8 ,& numb] ?ree3 ,ms4 ,adolf doesn't l me4 ,& if y put ^? ?ree ?+s tgr1 x m1nt only "o ?+4 ,tm 0 go+ to 2 a 4a/]4 #be ,,*apt] #f #ej-#ea ,! next "d1 s*ool seem$ to drag on ev5 m ?an usual4 ,we _h a spell+ te/4 ,i got ?ree ^ws \ ( t5 "r1 & two ( ^? 7 my "n4 ,i _h to give an oral report on p>akeets1 b my bra9 0 s busy ?9k+ ab basketball practice t ,i =got to m5;n t p>akeets >e birds4 ,luckily1 ,i did rememb] to m5;n t !y h b1ks & w+s4 ,af s*ool1 ,frankie1 ,a%ley1 -----------------------------------#eb & ,i ran all ! way to ! gym4 ,ms4 ,adolf 0 alr /&+ at ! 5tr.e1 clipbo>d 9 h&4 8,see h[ prompt we >e1 ,ms4 ,adolf80 ,i sd ) my be/ gr94 8,"! is no ne$ = y to celebrate :at is yr responsibil;y10 ! old s\rpuss sd4 ,y'd ?9k %e cd come up ) a ll t9y smile1 ev5 a twit* ( h] upp] lip4 ,b nooooooooooooooo1 all %e sd was1 8,practice 2g9s n[40 ,! o!r kids >riv$1 & we sp5t ! f/ few m9utes w>m+ up tgr on ! c\rt4 ,i lov$ ! squ1ky s.d \r sn1k]s a#eb made ag/ ! poli%$ wood5 floor4 ,i lov$ ! e*o ( ! ball -----------------------------------#ec b\nc+ on ! c\rt4 ,i lov$ pass+ ! ball & wat*+ "ey"o take a %ot4 ,i 0 hav+ s m* fun1 ,i didn't ev5 get n]v\s :5 ,ryan ,%imozato pass$ me ! ball & x 0 my turn to %oot4 ,x didn't g in1 b ! ball actually t\*$ ! backbo>d4 8,:y don't y try %oot+ ) yr eyes op51 ,zipp] ,butt10 ,nick ,mc,kelty %\t$ f acr ! c\rt4 -----------------------------------#ed 8,2c if my eyes 7 op51 ,i'd h to see y10 ,i %\t$ back to hm4 ,! big creep _h no comeback = t4 ,x feels r1lly gd to put a bully 9 8 place4 ,b ! gd feel+ didn't la/ l;g4 ,x 5d$ :5 ,i saw my dad walk 9to ! gym1 we>+ 8 /reet %oes1 : left a trail ( black scuff m>ks all ov] ! floor4 -----------------------------------#ee ,ms4 ,adolf spoke to hm 2f ,i _h a *.e to /op hm4 #bg 8,p>don me10 %e sd1 8b p>5ts a#ee >e n 9vit$ to practice4 ,y may come to ! game on ,fri"d40 8,t's :at ,i want to talk to y ab10 my dad sd4 8,x w only take a mo;t ( yr "t40 ,i clos$ my eyes & wi%$ t ,i cd fly4 ,i wd fly to ,icel& & /ay "! until my "f left4 8,i practic$ ) my son1 ,hank1 la/ nie try+ to cr1te a w9n+ t1m1 n a los+ "o40 ,i 0 s emb>rass$6 ,i _h to /op ? 3v]sa;n any way ,i cd4 ,i ran ov] to my dad & took hm by ! >m4 8,?anks = /opp+ by1 ,dad10 ,i sd1 l1d+ hm t[>d ! door4 8,be sure a#ef & tell ,mom ,i sd hi40 -----------------------------------#eg ,i held ! door op5 = hm1 b he didn't l1ve4 ,9/1d he /opp$1 turn$ to ,ms4 ,adolf1 & gave h] 8 grumpy />e4 ,i "k t />e v well1 2c ,i get x e report-c>d "d4 ,& e left-my-home"w-at-s*ool "d4 ,& e =got-to-make-my-b$ "d4 ,b ,ms4 ,adolf didn't c>e4 ,%e j />$ "r back at hm4 ,t woman cd />e d[n a snort+ moose4 8,bye1 ,dad10 ,i sd1 practically %utt+ ! door 9 8 face4 ,z soon z ! door 0 clos$1 ,i ran back to ,ms4 ,adolf4 ,l ,i sd1 %e is n a p]son :o likes 2+ told :at to d1 -----------------------------------#eh & ,i knew my dad's ll visit _h probably made h] mad4 ,i 0 "r4 ,by ! "t ,i r1*$ h]1 y cd alm see ! /1m %oot+ \ ( h] e>s4 8,my dad loves to kid >.d10 ,i sd1 2f %e cd say "o ^w4 8,t "p ab lett+ me play 0 j a joke4 ,y don't h to d #bi t40 a#eh 8,let's see j h[ improv$ y >e10 %e sd4 8,pl1se jo9 yr t1mmates = a pass+ & %oot+ drill40 ,ea* p]son _h to pass ! ball to ano!r t1m memb]1 :o !n got to take a %ot at ! basket4 ,we w5t >.d & >.d ! circle4 ,ea* "t -----------------------------------#ei ,i got to %oot1 ,i miss$ ! basket 5tirely1 & felt worse & worse4 ,i notic$ ,ms4 ,adolf %ak+ h] h1d1 & x 0 def9itely n 9 ! up & d[n direc;n4 ,side to side is n ! k9d ( %ake y want4 ,frankie & ,a%ley 7 gd %oot]s1 b ,h1!r ,payne 0 amaz+4 ,%e's s tall t :5 %e jump$ & lift$ h] >ms1 %e -----------------------------------#fj cd alm t\* ! bottom ( ! basketball net4 ,b %e 0 hav+ tr\ble cat*+ ! passes f ,nick ,mc,kelty4 ,he ?rew ! ball s h>d t x smack$ h] 9 ! belly & knock$ ! br1? \ ( h]4 8,"h1 ,hank10 %e sd1 ?r[+ ! ball to me af %e'd made a %ot4 8,y pass a#fj x4 ,my belly c't take ano!r ,mc,kelty toss40 ,i cau.d1 & made a p]fect basket4 8,w[10 %e sd4 8,y're grt at pass+4 ,t 0 an amaz+ assi/40 ,i turn$ to ,ms4 ,adolf z fa/ -----------------------------------#fa z ,i cd1 to make sure %e _h se5 t4 ,& ( c\rse1 %e _hn't4 ,%e _h h] nose buri$ 9 h] clipbo>d1 no d\bt mak+ a note t ,i 0 ! wor/ play] on ! t1m4 ,at ! 5d ( \r drill1 ,ms4 ,adolf call$ ! t1m tgr4 8,in prep>a;n = \r game on ,fri"d1 ,i h ord]$ special t1m j]seys = y10 %e sd4 8,z y'll notice1 ea* has a numb]40 ,oh boy4 ,a t1m j]sey ) my [n numb] on x4 ,my lucky numb] is five4 ,i hop$ ,i'd get t numb] on my j]sey4 ,? 0 go+ to 2 s grt4 -----------------------------------#fb ,%e pull$ ! j]seys \ ( a box4 #ca ,!y 7 blue ) :ite numb]s on ! a#fb back4 ,t 0 cool 2c blue & :ite >e \r s*ool colors4 8,frankie ,t[ns5d1 numb] #bb10 %e call$4 ,frankie w5t up & got 8 j]sey4 8,a%ley ,w;g60 %e sd4 8,numb] #ae40 ,a%ley pick$ up h] j]sey & did a happy fi/ pump4 -----------------------------------#fc ,"o by "o1 ea* memb]'s "n 0 call$4 ,%imozato1 numb] #g4 ,sp]l+1 numb] #i4 ,patel1 numb] #cj4 ,at la/1 %e _h call$ "ey"o b me4 ,t 0 okay4 ,= a grt mo;t l ?1 ,i cd wait4 ,i /ood "! pr\dly4 8,hank ,zipz]10 %e sd4 ,i walk$ up to h]4 8,un=tunately1 ,i ord]$ ! j]seys 2f ,pr9cipal ,love su7e/$ t y 2 on ! t1m4 ,"!=e1 ,i don't h a j]sey = y4 ,h["e1 ,i 0 able to locate a ;,t-%irt left ov] f la/ ye>'s t1m4 ,x's numb] #ac40 -----------------------------------#fd 8,b #ac is an unlucky numb]1 isn't x80 ,i ask$4 8,p]h t's :y x 0 left ov] f a#fd la/ ye>10 %e sd4 8,in any case1 x's all we h4 ,x mige1 b ,i tru/ y c make x "w40 8,b ? ;,t-%irt doesn't look l "eybody else's10 ,i sd4 8,let's 2 h"o/1 ,h5ry10 %e sd4 8,x doesn't r1lly matt]1 s9ce y won't 2 on ! c\rt dur+ ! game40 ,i took ! ;,t-%irt )\t look+ at x4 ,ev5 ?\< ,i 0 emb>rass$1 ,i tri$ to smile to cov] x up1 b ,i cdn't make myf4 8,"ey"o put on yr j]seys = a t1m picture10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd4 -----------------------------------#fe ,i slipp$ ! ;,t-%irt ov] my h1d4 ,x came d[n 2l my knees4 ,i want$ to run away4 ,i sure didn't want to 2 9 ! picture we>+ t ?+4 ,sudd5ly1 ,frankie & ,a%ley 7 "! by my side4 ,!y "k me s well4 8,come on1 ,zip10 ,frankie sd4 8,i feel l /&+ 9 ! back r[40 8,me too10 sd ,a%ley4 8,let's #cc g40 a#fe ,s we took ! t1m picture4 ,if y look$ at x qkly1 y mi.d to walk u home80 ,i ask$ hm4 8,he _h to g pick up "s do7y tr1ts = ,*e]io4 ,y "k h[ grumpy t ll puppy gets :5 he rolls ov] & "!'s no biscuit = hm40 ,we left s*ool & h1d$ d[n #ghth ,/reet t[>d ,broadway4 8,s h[ >e my favorite basketball -----------------------------------#fh play]s80 ,papa ,pete ask$ z we walk$4 8,n s gd10 ,i answ]$4 8,ms4 ,adolf didn't h a t1m j]sey = ,hank10 ,frankie expla9$4 8,x's n ab ! uni=m1 ,hankie10 a#fh ,papa ,pete sd1 giv+ my %\ld] a squeeze4 8,basketball is ab hav+ fun & play+ yr be/40 8,well1 x's n fun :5 y play l me10 ,i sd4 8,i cdn't put a ball 9 ! basket if x 7 z big z ! oc1n40 8,maybe y're n ! be/ %oot] 9 ! _w10 ,a%ley sd to me1 8b y c sure pass ! ball40 8,x takes all k9ds ( skills -----------------------------------#fi to make a t1m10 ,papa ,pete sd4 8,take ,l>ry ,gre5 on my b[l+ t1m1 ! ,*opp$ ,liv]s4 ,he has n"e ?r[n a /rike 9 all ( \r games4 ,b he br+s homemade d\vey's & get \rvs a slice ( pizza4 ,my tr1t40 -----------------------------------#gj ,! pizza *e]$ me up a ll4 ,x's h>d to feel too t]rible :5 pepp]oni is 9volv$4 ,b by ! "t ,i got home to \r a"p;t1 ,i 0 feel+ bad ag4 ,x didn't help t ,i _h to %[ my dad ! big blue ;,t-%irt4 8,? isn't m* ( a j]sey10 he sd4 8,is ? :at all ! kids >e we>+80 8,i 0 ! la/ pick$1 & !y ran \ ( ! r1l "os10 ,i answ]$4 -----------------------------------#ga 8,looks l ,i'm go+ to h to h ano!r ll *at ) ,ms4 ,adolf10 my dad sd4 8,i hope x goes bett] ?an ! la/ "o10 ,i sd4 ,i 0 h1d$ to my room :5 ,emily call$ \1 8,by ! way1 ,hank1 "s"o "nd ,h1!r ,payne call$ = y4 ,%e's a girl40 8,i "k1 ,emily10 ,i sd4 8,%e's 9 my class40 8,yr new girlfr left h] a#ga numb]40 8,%e's n my girlfr1 ,emily4 ,%e happ5s to 2 a girl :o is a fr40 ,t wasn't actually true4 ,i _h n"e hung \ ) ,h1!r ,payne4 ,%e _h n"e call$ me 2f4 -----------------------------------#gb ,i wond]$ :at %e want$ to talk ab4 ,i w5t 9to ! liv+ room1 pick$ up ! ph"o1 & dial$ h] numb]4 8,hello4 ,h>ry's ,haircuts10 sd a voice on ! o!r 5d ( ! ph"o4 8,y gr[ x1 we snip x40 8,may ,i pl1se sp1k ) ,h1!r ,payne80 8,n"e he>d ( h]1 kiddo4 ,y got ! wr;g numb]40 ,oh no4 ,x happ5$ ag4 ,e "t ,i try to dial ! ph"o1 ,i press ! wr;g numb]s4 ,actually1 !y're ! "r numb]s1 !y're j 9 ! wr;g ord]4 ,my eyes >e look+ at ! numb]s1 b my bra9 mixes !m all up4 ,i tri$ ag1 press+ ea* numb] sl[ly & c>e;lly4 #cg 8,hello10 a voice sd4 ,i br1!d #gc a si< ( relief4 ,x 0 ,h1!r ,payne4 8,hi1 ,h1!r4 ,x's ,hank4 ,i'm call+ y back40 8,yes1 ,i "k10 %e sd4 8,i he> yr voice40 ,we 7 bo? sil5t = a few l;g seconds1 !n,-?ank gd;s,-,h1!r 2gan to talk4 8,frankie & ,a%ley su7e/$ t maybe we cd all get -----------------------------------#gd tgr 9 yr c\rty>d tm af basketball practice10 %e sd4 8,h[ come80 ,i ask$4 8,well1 we 7 talk+ ab h[ gd y >e at pass+ ! ball10 %e sd4 8,y 7 talk+ ab me80 8,yes4 ,& ,i h an idea ab h[ y cd help u w9 ! game4 ,i ?9k y mie y 9 = tm af practice80 8,in8 ,i'm 9 ,l ,flynn4 ,i'm a#gd 9 l gr94 ,i'm 9 l we're go+ to w960 8,y're v gd at rhym+10 -----------------------------------#ge ,h1!r sd4 8,li/51 ,i h to g & d my subtrac;n "w%eet4 ,see y tm40 ,i hung up ! ph"o & felt pretty gd 444 until ,i r1liz$ t ,i _h ! same subtrac;n "w%eet4 ,all ^? numb]s on ! page make my bra9 feel l ma%$ potatoes ) no gravy4 ,! next "d at s*ool1 all ,i cd ?9k ab 0 h[ ,i mi h] at f/4 -----------------------------------#gf 8,hank10 ,ms4 ,fl[]s sd4 8,>e y li/5+8 ,or is yr h1d 9 ! cl\ds80 ,( c\rse1 t gave ,nick ,mc,kelty a *.e to %oot (f 8 m\?4 8,zipp] ,tee?'s h1d is alw 9 ! cl\ds10 he sd4 8,y %d see hm on ! basketball c\rt4 ,he c't focus on any?+40 #ci ,t made me want to 2 ! a#gf ,secret ,w1pon ev5 m4 ,i'm sorry to say ?1 b ,i 0 sup] happy :5 ,ms4 ,fl[]s made ,nick ,mc,kelty write 8,i w n 2 rude0 t5 "ts 9 8 notebook4 -----------------------------------#gg ,\r af-s*ool practice 0 j l ! "d 2f,-a total 4a/]4 ,ms4 ,adolf 0 especially n]v\s1 s9ce x 0 \r la/ practice 2f ! big game4 ,y don't want to 2 >.d h] any "t1 b :5 %e's n]v\s1 %e bl[s h] :i/le af e ^w4 ,my e>s 7 / r++ f h] :i/le :5 ,frankie1 ,a%ley1 & ,i walk$ 9to my a"p;t4 8,i put \ a snack = y kids10 my mom sd4 8,"s *eese & crack]s40 8,:o wants to eat knees & smack]s80 ,i ask$4 8,hank1 ,i sd *eese & crack]s4 ,:at's wr;g ) yr e>s80 8,i h :i/le-itis10 ,i sd4 -----------------------------------#gh ,b ,i cdn't f9i% my explana;n1 2c j !n ,h1!r ,payne >riv$ at \r front door4 ,%e 0 c>ry+ a basketball & we>+ a#gh h] t1m j]sey4 8,hi1 ,h1!r10 my mom sd4 8,come 9 & help yrf to a snack4 ,y kids >e go+ to ne$ an 5]gy boo/ 2f yr basketball "w\t40 8,?anks1 ,mrs4 ,zipz]10 ,h1!r ,payne sd4 8,b ,i j _h a slice ( pizza ) my mom40 ,frankie & ,a%ley div$ in1 mak+ *eese & crack] s&wi*es4 ,i didn't h any1 ?\<4 ,my /oma* 0 all jumbl$ up4 ,x talks to me "s"ts :5 x's n]v\s4 ,? "t x 0 say+1 8,don't s5d -----------------------------------#gi any ,swiss *eese d[n "h4 ,i'm / "w+ on t b1n burrito y _h = lun*40 ,! tru? is1 x wasn't only my /oma* t 0 n]v\s4 ,x 0 all ( me4 ,my 5tire basketball c>e] at ,,ps #hg dep5d$ on :e!r or n ,i cd 2come ! second grade's ,secret ,w1pon4 ,i 0 ab to f9d \4 #da ,,*apt] #h #hj-#ha ,we took ! elevator d[n to ! base;t4 ,j 2f ! door clos$1 ,mrs4 ,f9k1 :o lives acr ! hall f my family1 /uck h] foot in4 ,x 0 we>+ a bunny slipp] ) floppy e>s4 ,t's ,mrs4 ,f9k = y4 8,hold ! elevator1 kids10 %e sd4 8,i'm go+ d[n to ! laundry room40 8,hi1 ,mrs4 ,f9k10 we all sd z %e got in4 ,i notic$ t h] giant p9k robe 0 on ! top ( h] -----------------------------------#hb laundry basket4 ,%e we>s x e "d4 ,i _h no idea %e _h any o!r clo!s4 ,b "! %e was1 9 a giant gre5 robe ) ll purple dogs on x4 8,i l yr robe10 ,i sd z ,i press$ ;,b = base;t4 8,! ll dogs on x rem9d me ( \r puppy1 ,*e]io40 8,except ,*e]io's n purple10 ,a%ley com;t$4 8,he wd 2 if he roll$ 9 grape juice10 ,frankie sd4 ,we all lau<$1 except = ,h1!r4 ,%e may 2 tall & h a grt hook %ot1 a#hb b %e's n big on a s5se ( humor4 ,:5 ! elevator doors op5$ 9 ! base;t1 we h1d$ to -----------------------------------#hc ! laundry room4 ,mrs4 ,f9k /opp$ at ! wa%+ ma*9e1 & we w5t to ! door t l$ to ! c\rty>d \tside4 ,)\t a ^w1 ,h1!r pass$ me ! basketball4 ,i wasn't r1dy1 & ! ball :izz$ "r by me4 8,f/ rule1 ,hank10 ,frankie sd4 8,y h to /ay al]t4 ,y n"e "k :5 ! ball is com+ yr way40 -----------------------------------#hd ,i *as$ ! ball d[n & />t$ to dri2le x back to ,h1!r4 ,x b\nc$ on my foot & took a %>p left turn to no":4 8,second rule1 ,hank10 ,frankie sd4 8,n"e dri2le ! ball4 ,secret ,w1pons don't dri2le40 8,!n :at d !y d80 ,i ask$4 8,:at y d be/10 ,h1!r sd4 8,pass40 ,i %ook my h1d4 ,i didn't "u/& :at !y 7 talk+ ab4 #dc 8,"h's \r plan10 ,h1!r sd1 a#hd pull+ u all 9to a close circle4 8,hank1 y /ay d[n by ! basket & we'll get ! ball to y40 -----------------------------------#he 8,b "ey"o on ! o!r t1m w see me j wait+ by ! basket40 8,tru/ me10 ,frankie sd4 8,"ey"o on ! c\rt is wat*+ ! ball4 ,t's ": _! att5;n is40 8,z soon z y get ! ball 9 yr h&s10 ,h1!r sd1 8y pass x to me4 ,y've got to 2 qk,-qk z a :ip40 8,i c d t10 ,i sd4 8,!n :at80 8,!n ,i %oot10 ,h1!r sd4 8,2f ! o!r t1m ev5 "ks :at happ5$1 we've scor$40 8,let's try x \10 ,a%ley su7e/$4 8,secret ,w1pon1 take yr posi;n60 -----------------------------------#hf ,i walk$ ov] to ! wire basket t my dad _h made = \r practice4 ,i j /ood "!1 wat*+ ! o!rs dri2le & pass >.d ! c\rty>d4 ,my eyes n"e left ! ball z x mov$ f ,h1!r to ,a%ley to ,frankie4 ,sudd5ly1 ,frankie pass$ ! ball to me ) ! spe$ ( a rocket4 ,my f/ a#hf -----------------------------------#hg ?"\ 0 to duck1 b ,i didn't4 ,i put my >ms \ & cauely 9 my h&s :5 ,i pivot$ & pass$ ! ball directly to ,h1!r4 ,%e cau.d ! laundry-room door4 8,h fun1 kids10 %e %\t$4 8,:5 y're d"o1 come up = a slice ( my homemade m>ble cake40 ,"h's a basketball tip4 ,x may n"e come up = y1 b x sure did = me4 ,y c't cat* a pass if y're li/5+ to ,mrs4 ,f9k4 ,y're welcome4 8,we've got to keep at x10 #de ,frankie sd4 8,pay att5;n1 a#hh ,zip4 -----------------------------------#hi ,keep yr m9d 9 ! game40 8,& don't take yr eye (f ! ball10 ,a%ley sd4 ,we ran "? ! drill ov] & ov] until x 0 />t+ to get d>k4 ,by ! "t we quit1 we _h x d[n p]fectly4 ,i _h 2come1 r1lly & truly1 ! ,secret ,w1pon4 ,we wait$ 9 ! lo2y = ,h1!r's mom to come pick h] up4 8,grt practice10 ,h1!r sd1 pump+ h] fi/ z %e left4 8,we're r1dy = ! big game tm4 ,g t1m40 -----------------------------------#ij ,i 0 s happy4 ,i've n"e be5 gd at sports1 s 2+ "p ( ? t1m 0 ! be/ feel+ "e4 8,we're go+ to w9 = sure tm10 ,i sd4 8,we'll get t trophy1 no problem40 8,well1 "! actually is "o ll problem10 ,frankie sd4 8,: actually isn't s ll40 8,:at's t80 8,we h to get ,ms4 ,adolf to a#ij put y 9 ! game40 8,y1h10 ,a%ley agre$4 8,a secret w1pon doesn't d any gd sitt+ on ! b5*40 ,!y _h a po9t4 ,:y _hn't we ?"\ ab t8 ,my h1d dropp$4 ,my -----------------------------------#ia %\ld]s dropp$4 ,my hopes dropp$4 ,i felt l a balloon t "s"o /uck a p9 in4 ,h[ 7 we "e go+ to get ,ms4 ,adolf to put me 9 ! game8 -----------------------------------#ib ,,*apt] #i ,,,f\r ways we cd get ms4 adolf to put me 9 ! game,' ,,,by hank zipz],' #a4 ,i cd sc>e h] 9to x4 ,b ) :at8 ,i cd we> a zombie mask & tell h] ,i'm go+ to eat h] = lun* if %e doesn't put me in4 #b4 ,we cd get rid ( h]4 ,b h[8 #dg ,i cd g on ! s*ool l\dsp1k] & a#ib ann\nce t h] pet cat1 ,fang1 ne$s h] at home to take c>e ( a kitty-litt] em]g5cy4 -----------------------------------#ic #c4 ,i cd give h] "s?+ %e's alw want$4 ,b :at8 ,i cd let h] take ,emily's pet iguana1 ,ka!r9e1 home = ! week5d4 ,!y k9d ( look alike4 ,%e & ,ka!r9e cd h a grt "t hiss+ at ea* o!r4 #d4 ,let's face x4 ,i don't h a f\r? idea1 & n"o ( ! o!rs >e go+ to "w4 ,my butt is go+ to 2 glu$ to t b5* ="emore1 & t is t4 -------------------------------#id-#ie ,,*apt] #aj ,! ann\nc]'s voice e*o$ all >.d ! gym4 8,welcome back f half"t10 ! v gr[n-up-s.d+ voice sd4 ,actually1 x wasn't r1lly a gr[n-up4 ,x 0 ,sammy ,p]ez1 a fif?-grad] :o 0 try+ v h>d to s.d l ! ann\nc] = ! ,new ,york a#ie ,knicks4 8,we h a tily game10 he sd4 8,,ps #hg has won ! title two ye>s 9 a r[4 ,w we ?ree-p1t8 ,,ps #ia -----------------------------------#if doesn't ?9k s4 ,!y want to take ! trophy back ) !m to _! s*ool40 8,get x d"o1 n9ety-"o10 ! cr[d *ant$4 8,get x d"o1 n9ety-"o40 8,!y're on ! way to do+ x10 ,sammy sd4 8,,ps #ia is 9 ! l1d ) a score ( #bd po9ts40 ,f ! bl1*]s1 moms & dads1 bro!rs1 si/]s1 & gr&p>5ts wav$ ,,ps #ia's purple flags4 8,b let's n c.t \ \r v [n ,,ps #hg10 he sd4 ,) t1 \r side ( ! gym *e]$ s l\d1 x made ! walls %ake4 8,we're close 2h ) #bb po9ts1 l$ by \r top scor]1 ,h1!r ,payne40 -----------------------------------#ig ,"ey"o 9 ! bl1*]s /omp$ _! feet4 ,i jump$ up on ! b5* & rais$ bo? my >ms ov] my h1d1 & %\t$ at ! top ( my #di lungs4 a#ig 8,ei+ 8 only all-blue sw1t suit4 ,usually he we>s 8 r$ "o & looks l a giant /rawb]ry4 ,td he look$ l a giant blueb]ry4 -----------------------------------#ih .7,i wi% !y cd see me play1 b t's n"e go+ to happ51.' ,i ?"\ to myf z ,i wav$ to my family4 ,i felt "s"o tap me on ! %\ld]4 ,x 0 n a frly tap4 8,h5ry1 ? b5* is n = /&+ on10 ,ms4 ,adolf snapp$4 8,yr job is to sit d[n & wat* ! game40 8,my r1l job is to 2 ! ,secret ,w1pon10 ,i told h]4 8,"! y g ag1 talk+ nons5se40 ,) t1 ,ms4 ,adolf blew h] :i/le s l\d a#ih t x -----------------------------------#ii felt l my e>s 7 flapp+ back & =? l an elephant's4 ,i sat d[n on ! b5* 9 2t ,kim ,paulson & ,luke ,:itman4 ,kim 0 *e]+ = ,frankie1 :o 0 dri2l+ d[n ! c\rt4 ,:5 a tall girl f ! ,,ps #ia t1m tri$ to /1l ! ball f hm1 he spun >.d1 did a 2h-!-back dri2le1 & got by h]4 8,%oot x1 ,frankie60 ,i yell$4 ,he did4 ,& he made ! basket4 ,x 0 n[ a tie game4 8,:oa10 ,sammy ,p]ez sd 9to ! microph"o4 8,frankie ,t[ns5d ties x up60 ----------------------------------#ajj ,b !n1 ,,ps #ia answ]$ "r back4 ,!y _h ? play] "nd ,gri694 ,i don't "k if t 0 8 f/ "n or 8 la/1 b he sure cd %oot4 ,he made ?ree baskets 9 a r[ :5 ,nick ,mc,kelty 0 suppos$ to 2 gu>d+ hm4 ,no surprise "!4 ,gri69 0 fa/ z a *eetah1 & ,mc,kelty 0 sl[ z a #ea wat] bu6alo4 ,mc,kelty got s a#ajj fru/rat$ t he pok$ "o ( 8 scaly elb[s "r 9to ,gri69's side4 ,! ref]ee notic$ & blew 8 :i/le4 ----------------------------------#aja 8,hey10 he %\t$ at ,mc,kelty4 8,i saw t6 ,no r\< /uff40 8,i didn't d any?+10 ,mc,kelty %\t$ back4 8,y m/ h be5 look+ 9 ! wr;g direc;n40 8,i'm look+ at y10 ! ref]ee sd4 8,& ,i saw y elb[ t play]4 ,y c't d t on my c\rt4 ,s n[ ,i'm go+ to wat* y walk (f ? c\rt & take a s1t on ! b5*4 ,y're \ ( ! game40 8,f9e60 ,mc,kelty snapp$ at hm4 8,i didn't want to play1 anyway40 ,mc,kelty /omp$ ov] to ! b5* & pu%$ ,luke ,:itman aside4 ,he 0 sw1t+ s m* t :5 he sat d[n1 he spla%$ all ov] me4 ----------------------------------#ajb 8,hank10 ,a%ley call$ f ! c\rt4 8,? is yr *.e4 ,tell ,ms4 ,adolf to put y 9 ! game40 ,i jump$ up (f ! b5*4 8,i c g 9 = ,mc,kelty10 ,i a#ajb told ,ms4 ,adolf4 8,i'm r1dy40 8,s is ,luke ,:itman10 %e sd4 8,luke1 y're in40 ,luke ran onto ! c\rt4 ,z soon z ! ref]ee blew 8 :i/le1 ,a%ley pass$ ,luke ! ball4 ,he cau$ all ov] ! ball4 ,he pass$ ! ball to ,frankie1 :o let x :iz "r by hm4 8,i'm n t\*+ t ?+10 ,frankie sd to ! ref]ee4 ,! ref]ee pick$ up ! ball v c>e;lly1 took a h&k]*ief \ ( 8 pocket1 & wip$ ! ball d[n4 8,"h y g10 he sd1 pass+ ! ball to ,gri694 #ec 8,i'm sorry1 sir10 ,gri69 #ajd answ]$4 8,i j c't4 ,i'm all]gic to nose slime4 ,& :at happ5s if he does x ag80 ,! ref]ee nodd$4 8,y h a gd po9t1 kid10 he sd4 8,back to ! b5*1 son10 he ord]$ ,luke4 8,& get yrf "s ,kle5ex4 ,i'd g = ! jumbo box40 8,y c't take me \10 ,luke >gu$4 8,"!'s no rule t says y c't put snot on ! basketball40 8,"! is n[10 ! ref sd4 8,i j wrote x40 ,z ,luke walk$ ov] to ! b5*1 ,i jump$ up ag1 b ,ms4 ,adolf _h alr signal$ ----------------------------------#aje ,kim ,paulson to g in4 ,i si<$ & sat back d[n4 ,! ref]ee blew ! :i/le1 & ! game />t$ up4 ,kim wasn't bad4 ,%e 0 a fa/ runn] & actually made "o basket4 ,b !n1 9 ! middle ( a play1 %e /opp$ sudd5ly4 8,kim10 ,i he>d ,frankie a#aje say4 8,get 9 ! game40 8,i'm \ ( br1?10 %e sd 8,"ey"o's runn+ s fa/4 ,:at's ! ru%80 ,%e took a scrun*ie (f h] wri/1 b5t ov] to pull h] hair up onto ! top ( h] h1d1 & made a ponytail4 ,"r "! 9 ! middle ( ! c\rt6 ----------------------------------#ajf 8,excuse me1 "y lady10 ,ms4 ,adolf sd4 8,"! is no hair/yl+ all[$ 9 ! middle ( a basketball game40 8,b my hair 0 look+ t]rible10 ,kim told h]4 8,in front ( all ^! p40 8,f9e10 sd ,ms4 ,adolf4 8,!n y c g sit on ! b5* until y're satisfi$ ) yr hair/yle40 ----------------------------------#ajg ,i jump$ (f ! b5* & ran ov] to ,ms4 ,adolf1 plac+ myf "r 9 front ( h]4 ,%e _h to put me 9 n[4 ,samir wasn't "! 2c ( a family em]g5cy1 & ,ryan 0 sick & _h to /ay 9 b$4 ,i 0 ! only "o left4 8,n[ c ,i g in80 ,i ask$ h]4 8,i'm s sorry to say ?10 ,ms4 #ee ,adolf sd ) a deep si<4 8,b a#ajg yes40 ,"! x was1 my big mo;t4 ,secret ,w1pon1 report+ = duty4 -----------------------------#ajh-#aji ,,*apt] #aa ,ms4 ,adolf ask$ ,nick ,mc,kelty to take (f 8 %irt & give x to me4 8,y may we> ! (ficial t1m j]sey10 %e sd1 h&+ me 8 sw1t-soak$ %irt4 ,z m* z ,i hat$ my ba7y ;,t-%irt1 ! ?"\ ( we>+ 8 /9ky1 so7y %irt 0 way worse4 8,?anks anyway10 ,i sd to ,ms4 ,adolf4 8,i'd r 2 kiss$ by an orangutan40 ----------------------------------#aaj ,2f %e cd answ]1 ,i ran onto ! c\rt4 8,okay1 "eybody huddle10 ,h1!r ,payne sd z soon z ,i jo9$ my t1mmates4 8,actually1 ,i ?9k .1huddle is a football t]m10 ,katie ,sp]l+ po9t$ \4 8,f9e1 !n "ey"o clump tgr10 a#aaj ,h1!r sd4 ,! :ole t1m lau<$4 ,ev5 ,i knew t .1clump wasn't a sports t]m4 ----------------------------------#aaa 8,we h to get s]i\s "h10 ,h1!r sd4 8,x's #cj to #bf4 ,we're 2h by f\r po9ts4 ,t m1ns we h to make ?ree m baskets to w940 8,& we c't let !m score ag10 ,a%ley add$4 8,s >e we r1dy to laun* \r ,secret ,w1pon plan80 ,h1!r ask$4 8,i am1 t's = sure10 ,i sd4 8,wait a m9ute10 ,katie 9t]rupt$4 8,:at's a ,secret ,w1pon80 8,y'll see10 ,frankie sd1 ) all ! 3fid;e 9 ! _w4 8,hank1 take yr posi;n40 ,z ,i ran to my place d[n by ! basket1 ,i r1liz$ t ,frankie ----------------------------------#aab _h all ! 3fid;e 9 ! _w1 b m9e 0 dripp+ \ my toes4 ,i look$ up at ! /&s1 & boy1 7 "! a lot ( eyeballs />+ #eg at me4 ,i f.d my family 9 ! a#aab cr[d4 ,my dad look$ worri$4 ,my mom seem$ to 2 *ew+ on h] f+]nails4 ,my si/] 0 r1d+ a book1 probably h] favorite1 .7#ajj ,liz>d ,facts ,"ey"o ,%d ,"k.'4 ,papa ,pete wav$ at me & m\!d 8,y c d x60 ----------------------------------#aac ,i hop$ he 0 "r4 ,! ref]ee blew ! :i/le1 & ! game />t$ up ag4 ,9 a grt move1 ,frankie /ole ! ball z x 0 2+ pass$ f "o ,,ps #ia play] to ano!r4 ,he dri2l$ x d[n ! c\rt1 !n fir$ a pass to me4 ,x 0 com+ fa/4 ,i plant$ my feet & put my >ms \4 8,don't y d>e drop ?1 ,hank ,zipz]10 ,i sd to myf4 ,i'm n sure1 ,i mid ,i 0 3c5trat+4 8,don't pass x to ,zipp] ,tee?60 ,i he>d ,nick ,mc,kelty yell f ! b5*4 .1,bam6 ,! ball smack$ me ----------------------------------#aad "r 9 ! *e/4 ,qkly1 ,i wrapp$ my h&s >.d x 2f x hit ! floor4 ,x wasn't ! a#aad prettie/ cat* 9 ! _w1 b x "w$4 ,i pivot$ & saw ,h1!r ,payne wav+ h] >ms wildly at me4 ,i knew :at to d4 ,i pass$ h] ! ball4 ,%e caud t ,i ne>ly fell ov]4 8,let's d t ag10 ,frankie sd4 ,& we did1 once ,a%ley /ole ! ball f ! o!r t1m & *uck$ x ov] to me4 ,ms4 ,adolf cdn't 2lieve :at %e 0 see+4 ,%e j /ood by ! side ( ! c\rt ) h] :i/le hang+ (f h] l[] lip4 ,%e 0 s %ock$1 %e cdn't ev5 bl[ x4 8,okay1 folks1 we h a tie game on \r h&s10 #ei ,sammy's voice bl>$4 8,we've #aaf got ?irty-six seconds on ! clock4 ,:o's go+ to get t trophy8 ,/ay tun$ to f9d \40 ,did he say 8,/ay tun$08 ,i wond]$ :o ,sammy ?"\ he 0 talk+ to4 ,we w]5't on ,,tv4 ,! coa* ( ,,ps #ia _h call$ a "t \4 ,) 8 t1m surr.d+ hm1 he 0 talk+ up a /orm4 ,i saw hm po9t at me4 ,t felt grt1 until ,i r1liz$ t he _h figur$ \ t ,i 0 ! ,secret ,w1pon4 ----------------------------------#aag ,\r t1m ga!r$ >.d me4 8,okay1 ,hank10 ,a%ley sd4 8,!y "k t y're ! ,secret ,w1pon4 ,t m1ns !y're go+ to try to /op y f gett+ ! ball & pass+ x to ,h1!r40 ,ms4 ,adolf _h jo9$ u on ! c\rt4 8,z yr coa*1 ,i su7e/ y keep x away f ,h5ry10 %e sd4 8,b1 ,ms4 ,adolf10 ,frankie >gu$4 8,hank j help$ u make two amaz+ baskets & tie ! game40 8,i he>d t la/ week he knew all 8 spell+ ^ws1 yet he fail$ 8 a#aag spell+ te/4 ,"s p >e j n gd "u pressure40 ,oh man6 ,i 0 hav+ ! be/ "t ( my life1 & %e ----------------------------------#aah _h to g & br+ up spell+6 ,! :i/le blew1 & ! t1m f ,,ps #ia took ! c\rt4 ,s did we4 ,at f/1 ?+s 7 n go+ well4 ,gri691 _! be/ play]1 _h ! ball4 ,frankie tri$ to /1l x1 b cdn't4 ,gri69 dri2l$ d[n to ! basket & took a %ot4 ,we all held \r br1? z we wat*$ x fly "? ! air t[>d ! hoop4 ,x look$ l x 0 go+ in1 until x b\nc$ (f ! rim4 ----------------------------------#aai ,a%ley jump$ z hi< z %e cd & gra2$ x \ ( ! air4 ,%e :ipp$ >.d s fa/ t h] glasses flew (f h] face4 ,%e cdn't see ": to pass x1 b he>d ,frankie's voice %\t+1 8,ov] "h1 ,a%we5a60 ,%e made a p]fect pass4 ,frankie got ! ball1 & ,i rac$ to my ,secret #fa ,w1pon posi;n j z 8 pass a#aai >riv$4 ,i _h x6 ,i _h ! ball6 ,! clock 0 tick+4 ,we _h twelve seconds left 9 ! game4 ,b "! 0 "o ll problem4 ,actually1 "! 7 five big problems4 ,all five memb]s ( ! ,,ps #ia t1m 7 rac+ t[>d me4 ,9 no "t1 !y 7 ----------------------------------#abj 9 front ( me1 >ms up1 block+ me f mak+ a pass4 ,\ ( ! corn] ( my eye1 ,i cd see ,h1!r wait+ = ! ball1 b "! 0 no way ,i cd get x to h]4 ,oh wait4 ,yes "! was4 ,i b5t ov] & b\nc$ ! ball backw>d "? my legs4 ,t surpris$ ! ,,ps #ia t1m4 ,no "o 0 expect+ t move1 n ev5 me6 ----------------------------------#aba 8,h1!r6 ,x's 2h hm60 ,frankie yell$4 ,h1!r & ,i 7 on ! same wavel5g?4 ,%e d>t$ = ! ball & gra2$ x4 ,9 "o swift move1 %e turn$ to ! basket1 qkly aim$1 & %ot ! ball4 ,boom6 ,x 0 a p]fect basket4 ,\r side ( ! bl1*]s *e]$ s l\d1 y cd h>dly he> ! buzz] g (f4 ,b x a#aba did g (f4 ,we _h won ! game4 ,& ! ?ree-p1t4 ,& ! bi7e/ trophy y've "e se54 ,i c't 2lieve ,i'm say+ ?1 ----------------------------------#abb b ,i1 ,hank ,zipz],-,,ps #hg's ,secret ,w1pon,-was "p ( ! w9n+ t1m4 ,w[1 t 0 sweet4 ----------------------------------#abc ,,*apt] #ab ,,,?ree grt ?+s ab w9n+ t trophy,' ,,,by hank zipz],' #a4 ,! k9d]g>tn]s all ask$ = \r autographs4 ,i sign$ m9e ,hank 8,s4,w40 ,zipz]4 #b4 ,:5 ,i 0 *os5 by ! t1m to put ! trophy 9 ! 4play case1 ,nick ,mc,kelty actually _h to say 3gratula;ns4 #fc #c4 ,ms4 ,adolf gave me h] #abd :i/le = do+ s* a gd job4 ,ev5 ?\< x's got h] cooties on x1 ,i / k9d ( l x4 @.<,! ,5d@.>