orca limelights ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS Pop Quiz Tom Ryan
For Joan and Dan with gratitude for your many kindnesses
One It’s quarter to three on Friday afternoon and Ms Burke is droning on and on about the major battles of the War of 1812 Four seats back one aisle from the window Dane Pierce is fighting a battle of his own a battle to stay awake The only thing keeping Dane from falling asleep and sliding out of his desk onto the floor is Penny Vaughan Penny is sitting one row ahead of him and one aisle over which means Dane has a clear view of her As always Penny looks as fresh as a daisy with sunlight streaming through the window onto her hair Penny is one of the smartest people in his grade and unlike Dane she’s managing to pay attention Dane realizes the room has gone silent He turns to look at Ms Burke who’s staring right at him 1
