Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade? by Nancy Krulik Read Free Book Online Page B

drums. She never would have recognized this as “Hot Cross Buns.” But Mr. Starkey seemed to like the way the children had played it.
    â€œThat was very nice,” the music teacher said at the end of class. “Pack up your instruments carefully. I’ll see you all next Monday. Don’t forget to practice.”
    As the kids packed up their instruments and got ready to go back to class, Mr. Starkey adjusted his tie, and slipped into his sport jacket. It seemed odd to see a teacher dressed so nicely after Katie had spent so much time in Mr. G’s classroom. Mr. Starkey was nothing like Mr. G. The band director had short, neatly cut blond hair. His shirt was pressed, and he wore slacks instead of jeans. Mr. Starkey was a normal teacher. Except he taught music, of course.
    â€œThat was fun!” Emma said as she placed her silver flute in its case. “I can’t wait to go home and practice.” She sighed. “I’ll just have to make sure the twins aren’t taking a nap.”
    Becky Stern turned around and smiled at Jeremy. “Your drums sounded great,” she told him. “You have really good timing.”
    Katie laughed. She knew Becky had a major crush on Jeremy.
    Jeremy blushed. “Thanks,” he said gruffly.
    â€œThis is harder than I thought it would be,” Katie admitted. “I had trouble just getting my mouth to stay in the right shape around the reed.”
    â€œMe too,” Kevin said. “I have to keep my lips buzzing all the time. All this drool comes out.”
    â€œWe know,” Katie, George, Becky, and Emma said at once.
    Katie gently placed her clarinet in its case, and began to walk back toward class 4A. There was still a half an hour before it was time to go home. The kids who weren’t taking band were still in the classroom having free reading time.
    â€œHey, Katie, wait up!” Jeremy called after her.
    She stopped and turned around. “What’s up?”
    â€œThe most exciting thing ever!” Jeremy exclaimed. “The coach said I can start in Sunday’s game.”
    â€œThat’s so cool,” Katie said sincerely. She knew how much he’d been looking forward to being a starting player.
    â€œMy mom said I could bring one friend to the game. Do you want to come and watch?”
    Katie was so happy. It was nice to know that she and Jeremy were still best friends even though they were in different classes. “You bet!” she said excitedly. “I’ll even bring the snacks. We learned how to make the most delicious sandwiches in last week’s cooking class!”
    â€œAwesome!” Jeremy replied. “We’ll pick you up at around eight-thirty. Then after the game, my parents will probably take us for ice cream.”
    â€œGreat!” Katie said excitedly. “It’ll be just like the old days.”

Chapter 14
    â€œI jump high, I jump low. Touch my shoulder, touch my toe. Spin around, jump real high. I reach straight up and grab the sky!” Emma W. leaped up as she finished her jump-rope rhyme.
    â€œThat was great, Em,” Jessica told her.
    â€œThanks,” Emma said. “Now I’ll take your end so you can jump.”
    â€œOkay,” Jessica said. “Then, when I miss—and I always do—I’ll take Katie’s end.”
    It was recess time on Tuesday afternoon. Katie, Emma, and Jessica were all playing jump rope together. Emma and Jessica knew lots of rhymes Katie had never heard before.

    Katie and Suzanne had always jumped rope to the same three rhymes—“Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear;” “A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea;” and “Tell Me the Name of My Sweetheart.” It was fun to learn some new ones for once.
    Jessica leaped into the turning rope and began to jump. “I went to the store for something sweet, along the way, who did I meet . . .” she began. Within seconds, she tripped over the rope.