Jake the Snake

Hi. I'm Jamal, and I have a BIG problem.

I'm scared to go to school.

School used to be fun. But this year, second grade is AWFUL!

It's time to wake up and get ready for school.

I don't want to go! Do you want to know why?

Jake the Snake is the meanest second grader on earth. He is enormous and does terrible things to kids.

Monday, Jake the Snake tripped me when I was walking to gym class. I fell flat on my face, broke my glasses, and scraped my knee. Some kids thought it was funny. Not me.

Tuesday, in the busy lunchroom, Jake the Snake took my tray and dumped it on top of me. The ice-cold milk drenched my shirt. The steaming mashed potatoes landed in my hair and the gravy ran down my face. Some kids thought it was funny. Not me.

Wednesday, Jake the Snake grabbed the football right out of my hands and played keep-away. Some kids thought it was funny. Not me.

Today is Thursday. It's time to get out of bed and get ready for school.

I do NOT want to go to school!

Could I fake a sore throat?

Could I fake a fever?

Maybe I could fake a bellyache!

The loud knock on my door got my attention.

"Jamal, honey, you are late," said my mom. "You better get moving if you want to catch the bus on time."

My sad, puppy dog eyes looked up at my mom. "I can't go to school. I don't feel good."

I made my voice sound like there were rocks in my neck and said, "I think I have a sore throat."

I put my hand on my forehead and said, "I also have a fever."

And just in case she didn't get it, I bent over and grabbed my stomach and cried, "I also have a bellyache!"

"You poor thing," said my mom. "Let me get the thermometer."

I leaned back on my pillow and tried to think of other ways to get out of going to school.