I need to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. I have won the race only once last year. But I need to win again this year and I will, if I practice regularly. Huff!
I need to give something to May Belle to boast about to her friends. And, oh my gosh, how surprised and happy dad will be when I win!
Mom, me and Brenda need to have money for shopping at Millsburg for school. We will take just five dollars that dad promised us.
Momma, can't we have just one more? So that it can be three each? You can't buy anything for two fifty!
NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!
OK! TAKE IT! HERE YOU GO.
Jess! Someone is moving into the old Perkin's place! A U-Haul is parked in front of the house!
Anyways, these people won't last long. The old Perkin's place is where people shift when they have nowhere decent to go.
Leave it. Bring me a shirt, May Belle.
Jesse, I loved the picture you gave me last week. You are unusually talented. I hope nothing would discourage you and you would keep it up.
She is like a wild creature captured in the dirty old cage of the schoolhouse. I do really hope that she doesn't get loose and fly away. I manage throughout the week just for that half an hour on Fridays, when we have our music lessons.
Yes, Miss Edmunds.
Jess! Ellie has brought herself a see-through blouse and Momma is throwing a fit.
My goodness! That kid won't even let me think in peace. Still, the news she brought was good.
That isn't something to cheer about, May Belle. And, anyways, you should be in bed now.
Yeah. Hi. Ok. Actually I have work to do. See you later.
Is she a girl or a boy? I don't know. He or she even has those names which could go either way. I think it is a girl. I don't know why I am so sure, though.
Hi! We just moved in. My name is Leslie Burke. I think we might as well be friends. There is no one else close by.