The Upside-Down Day Read Free

Leslie whispered.
    That’s not a clue , Abby thought. “Give me a better one,” she said.
    â€œMy father is a king.” Leslie’s voice was sly. “How’s that for a clue?”
    â€œBut is it true?” asked Abby.
    â€œMaybe, maybe not,” said Leslie.
    Abby knew about presidents. But kings and queens? Who was this girl trying to fool?

    After art, Miss Hershey announced a special reading assignment. “I am handing out a test. You must complete it before math class.”
    Tests were icksville for Abby. She waved her pencil at Leslie Groff. Leslie smiled back. But it was another sneaky smile. What could Leslie’s secret be? Abby wondered.
    Miss Hershey gave directions. “Remember, read all the questions first.”
    Abby glanced back at Ellen. Honey was taking a nap at Ellen’s feet. Abby got up to sharpen her pencil. She passed Ellen’s desk on the way. She peeked at Ellen’s test. So this is Braille , she thought.
    The classroom was suddenly very quiet. Everyone was working hard on the tests.
    Soon, Honey was guiding Ellen to Miss Hershey’s desk.
    She can’t be finished yet , thought Abby. She looked at her own paper. She was only on number seven.
    A few minutes later, Leslie Groff was finished. Then Dunkum and Stacy.
    Abby looked around the room. She was getting worried. Something’s wrong , she thought. Very wrong!

FOUR
    Abby noticed Jason still writing his test.
    Good , she thought, I’m not the only one .
    Miss Hershey turned away from the chalkboard. “For students who are still working, remember to read all questions first,” she reminded them.
    Abby put her pencil down and read each question. The last question was: If you have read all the questions, please write only your name, address, and telephone number at the bottom of this page. Then turn in the test.
    Very tricky , Abby thought. I didn’t follow directions .
    Quickly, she wrote her name, address, and telephone number at the bottom of the page. Then she scooted down in her seat.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Stacy whispered behind Abby.
    â€œI feel like crawling under my desk,” she whispered back. “I’m so embarrassed.”
    Then Abby heard Miss Hershey’s voice. “Will you please give Jason a hint about the test, Abby?”
    Her mouth was dry as if she’d eaten chalk. Dry and yucky.
    She looked at Jason. Poor Jason. He’s still working .
    Abby’s voice cracked as she said, “Don’t write anything until you read the whole page.”
    Jason twirled his pencil. He read to the bottom of the test. Suddenly, his face turned Christmas red. “Oh, now I get it,” he said. “Good trick, Miss Hershey.”
    The class howled with laughter, including Jason.
    What a double dabble good joke!
    Miss Hershey glanced around theroom. “Now, listen very carefully. Following directions is a good thing to do every day. Not only School Spirit Day.” With that, the teacher winked at Leslie.
    Abby blinked. She turned around. “Did you see that?” she asked Stacy.
    Stacy nodded. “Something’s up.”
    â€œOK, it’s time for some riddle fun,” said Miss Hershey. “Anyone?”
    Dunkum raised his hand. “ I’ve got a riddle. What do you get when you cross a duck with a cow?”
    â€œAnyone know?” Miss Hershey asked, looking around.
    No one answered.
    â€œQuackers and milk!” said Dunkum with glee.
    Everyone clapped.
    â€œYay, Dunkum!” shouted Jason.
    â€œGo, Dunkum!” said Eric more softly.
    Ellen raised her hand next.
    â€œYes?” Miss Hershey said.
    Ellen smiled so big, her face seemed to light up. “What is the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space, the beginningof every end, and the end of every race?” she asked.
    Stacy whispered, “What a mouthful.”
    Miss Hershey nodded. “That’s an excellent question, Ellen.