Chapter 1 A FRESH IDEA As Finley’s fourth-grade class filed in from recess their teacher took her place at the front of the room Ms Bird always had interesting things to share but Finley had a feeling something special was coming She could tell by the way her teacher’s eyes lit up as she rang the chime When all the students had taken their seats Ms Bird unrolled a big scroll of paper and held it up I got this new poster for our classroom she said Will someone please read it for us Finley raised her hand
Ms Bird smiled Finley The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others Finley read By Gandhi Thank you Ms Bird said Who has an idea about what that means Henry Lin Finley’s best friend raised his hand I don’t know he answered but if you’re lost the best way to find yourself is a map Or a compass Or a GPS Ms Bird laughed Maps are handy she agreed and compasses and GPSs too Does anyone else have something to add The class was silent How can the best way to find yourself be to lose yourself Finley wondered
She was about to ask when Ms Bird turned around and started erasing yesterday’s homework from the board Keep thinking about it the teacher said over her shoulder You might get an idea as you’re working on our next project Turning back to the board she wrote the words SERVICE PROJECT in big letters Each spring the fourth graders plan and complete a service project to better-ify our school and community This year it’s your turn Last year Ms Silva’s class had a litter cleanup day at the park Henry said Ms Bird nodded That’s right They even raised money to buy some extra trash cans so there would be more places to throw garbage away Olivia Snotham made a face Ew she whispered to Finley I don’t want to spend the day picking up other people’s trash Finley smiled at her friend and shrugged At least we’d get to be outside There are so many ways to make a difference Ms Bird continued Today we’ll brainstorm ideas together and tomorrow we’ll vote to choose a project Remember that whatever we pick should be something that makes our school or community better Any thoughts or questions Henry raised his hand Is it almost time for lunch Ms Bird glanced at the clock and smiled Yes Henry it is Pack up your things everyone and be ready to brainstorm when you get back Finley and her friends filed down the hall to the cafeteria I’ll save you a spot Olivia said I packed my lunch today Great Henry said as he and Finley headed to get their trays Finley went through the line and joined Olivia at a corner table She plunked her tray down and examined her lunch I like peas but not these she said smushing one on the tip of her fork and examining it Maybe because they’re not green Olivia said And they’re all mushy I like them fresh like the ones we grow in my mom’s garden Henry said taking a
seat beside Finley Why can’t they make them like that Olivia asked Because those come from a can Henry said pointing to Finley’s plate Olivia unwrapped her sandwich Well why don’t they get fresh ones Henry shrugged You got me The carrots are soggy too They taste like a sponge Finley ate her spaghetti then took her tray to the trash On the way she glanced around the room It was the same at every table no one had touched their vegetables What a waste she thought They might as well not serve them at all As she stood there beside the garbage can Finley felt an idea seed starting to sprout She dumped her trash and ran back to the table Hey she said to Henry got a
