He can just hear the words: I really love the way Richard is standing. Richard is the best straight-as-a-ramrod stander at his table. All the students are hurrying to put away their textbooks, load up their backpacks, check the floor around their desks, and then stand ramrod-straight behind their chairs. He doesn’t even look tempted to jump around or pull a braid or give a punch. Gavin can do all that being good stuff so easily. He looks over at Gavin, his new best friend. He must try really hard not to pull one of Nikki’s fat braids.

He’ll have to make sure he doesn’t make a fart sound with his hand in his armpit. He’ll have to make sure he keeps his lips together and doesn’t punch Ralph in the shoulder for fun.

Then, he’ll have to walk in an “orderly fashion” to the line at the classroom door. First, he must get up and push his chair under the desk and stand behind it like a soldier. When his table is called, he will have to hold him-self back from jumping up and running out of there. She’s the teacher and she’s really nice and he likes her a lot. He only has to endure waiting for everyone at his table to straighten up and look “ready to be dismissed.” Those are Ms. When the bell rings, that’s the signal for freedom. Four minutes until his weekend officially begins. Richard is watching the clock above the whiteboard. Karen English is a 1-Time Bestselling Author It’s not a coincidence that Karen English obtained such honorable recognition such as the 1999 recipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Francie, the 2005 recipient of the Jane Addams Children’s Book award and the 2005 ALA Notable Children’s Book Award for Hot Day on Abbott Avenue.

Skateboard Party by Karen English