wouldn't be so bad after all. And who knew? Maybe I'd even make a friend or two along the way.
Story 1 – Questions
Where did Kyle move from?
What are the two new after-school clubs Miss Gray mentions?
How does Kyle describe JB's entrance into the classroom?
What did JB do over the summer that got him in trouble?
What is the name of the school Kyle is attending?
Why do you think Kyle is worried about making friends at his new school? What evidence from the text supports your answer?
What does the phrase "you're the mystery box" mean in the context of Kyle being the new kid? Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Explain your reasoning.
How does the author use figurative language (e.g., "whirlwind of energy," "grin that could light up a stadium") to describe JB? What impression of JB does this create for the reader?
What can you infer about Kyle's personality based on his thoughts and actions in the story? How might his personality affect his experiences at the new school?
Predict how Kyle's first day at Glendale Middle School might set the stage for future events in the story. What challenges or opportunities might he encounter?
Story 2 – The Bully Problem
The second day of school was supposed to be easier, but as I leaned against my locker, a shadow loomed 22over me. It was Toby, the school's resident meathead23, his biceps practically bulging out of his T-shirt.
"Well, well, well," he sneered, "look who it is. The new kid from… where was it again? Hicksville?"
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. "Westwood," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Westwood?" Toby scoffed. "Never heard of it. Probably some podunk 24town in the middle of nowhere."
Toby leaned in, his breath hot on my face. "So, farmboy," he said, "how many chickens did you have to count to get into this school?"
I gritted my teeth25. "I'm not a farmer," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Oh really?" Toby smirked. "Well, you sure sound like one. Bet you're really good at chasin' pigs, huh?"
He tapped his forehead with a finger. "Don't worry, new kid. We'll teach you all about big city smarts. Just try not to get lost on your way to the library."
I glared at him for a second, then turned and walked away. But Toby's words stung 26like a swarm of bees. What if he was right? What if everyone here thought I was just a hick 27who didn't belong?
By the time I got to math class, my head was spinning with self-doubt. Miss Miller, a tall, thin woman with a no-nonsense 28attitude, started peppering the class with questions.
"What's the Pythagorean theorem?" she asked.
I knew the answer, but my hand stayed glued to my side. What if my accent gave me away? What if I said it wrong and everyone laughed?
"Anyone?"
Still, I remained silent.
"Alright, how about this one," she continued. "What do those letters a, b, and c, stand for?"
Again, I knew the answer. But the fear of being mocked 29for my "redneck" pronunciation paralyzed me.
Miss Miller sighed and moved on to another student. I stared at my desk, feeling like a complete failure. Maybe Toby was right. Maybe I didn't belong here after all.
During lunch break, I was digging through my locker when JB appeared beside me. His usual grin was replaced with a frown. "Dude, you look like you just ate a lemon. What's up?"
I sighed. "Toby happened." I hesitated, then blurted out, "He was giving me a hard time about being from Westwood."
JB's face darkened. "That jerk. What did he say?"
I told Toby's insults 30about hicks and pigs, my voice growing quieter with each word.
JB frowned. "Don't let him get to you, dude. You're way smarter than that overgrown Neanderthal." Then a naughty glint appeared in his eyes. "Tell you what, let's talk to Eve after school. My sister’s got a brain like a supercomputer. She'll know what to do."
After school, I found myself in JB's backyard, a chaotic wonderland of half-finished projects and overgrown weeds. A half-built skateboard ramp leaned against a fence, and a pile of scrap metal that vaguely 31resembled a robot stood guard in the corner.
Eve emerged from the house, her long black hair spread over her shoulders, her fingers covered with silver rings. "What's the emergency?" she asked, her voice as sharp as her black eyeliner.
JB filled her in on my run-in with Toby. "Any ideas, sis? We gotta teach that meathead a lesson."
Eve arched 32an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "And what exactly did you have in mind? A water balloon ambush33? A whoopee cushion on his chair?"
JB shrugged. "Something like that. Maybe find out what he's scared of and use it against him."
Eve shook her head. "That'll just make him double down34. Trust me, I've seen enough bullies in my day."
I fidgeted nervously. "So what do we do?"
Eve's eyes met mine. "You're smarter than Toby, Kyle. You gotta use that brain of yours." She paused, then added, "Wear your weakness like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you."
JB and I stared at her, puzzled.
"Toby's a bully because he's insecure," Eve explained. "He picks on you because he thinks you're different, and that scares him. But you're not weak, I. Don't hide where you're from. Embrace 35it. Use your intelligence to shut him down. Show him you're not ashamed of your accent or your hometown."
The next day, in math class, Miss Miller asked a question about trigonometry. I hesitated for a moment, then raised my hand.
"Yes, Kyle?" Miss Miller said, a hint of surprise in her voice.
I took a deep breath and answered the question. As I spoke, I heard a snicker 36from the back of the room. It was Toby.
"What did you say, farm boy?" he mocked. "Speak up, we can't understand your backwoods accent."
I turned to face him, my heart pounding37. But this time, I didn't back down.
"If you had more than two brain cells to rub together," I said clearly, my voice steady, "you'd know the answer yourself."
The classroom fell silent. Everyone stared at me, even Toby. I waited looking right at him. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. “Nailed it38!” whispered JB when I sat down.
As the bell rang, a few kids came up to me, patting me on the back.
"Dude, that was awesome!" one said.
"Yeah! Finally someone told him to shut his pie hole39!" said another.
For the first time since arriving in Glendale, I felt a sense of belonging. I didn't need to hide who I was. I could be proud of where I came from and still