Chapter One CHANGE OF PLANS Sydney Todachine jumped off the last bus step Fifth grade is over she said Next year we’ll be in middle school shouted her best friend McKenna But first Syd said there’ll be a whole summer of hanging out at the beach And the mall McKenna added It’ll be perfect said Syd as she opened the door
to her house But then she stopped Mom What are you doing home Syd’s parents were zoologists at the San Diego Zoo They were never home before six Yet there her mom was Dr Todachine squealed You’ll never believe it she said Remember that research trip your dad and I applied for It was to study anteaters in the Amazon Syd nodded slowly Yeah the one you didn’t get Well two of the researchers they had picked can’t make it Dr Todachine explained So now we’re going That’s so cool McKenna exclaimed
Syd gave her mom a hug Congrats Mom she said When do you go Dr Todachine stopped smiling That’s the thing Syd We have to leave tomorrow Tomorrow Syd repeated She let go of her mom I’m sorry it’s so sudden But it’s a great opportunity said Dr Todachine Dad is at the zoo finishing up a few things I’m here to start packing How long will you be gone asked Syd All summer Dr Todachine replied McKenna jumped in That’s perfect she said Syd can stay with me That’s nice of you McKenna but Syd’s dad and I
have already made plans Dr Todachine said She turned toward Syd You’ll be spending the summer with your grandpa What Syd asked shocked I have to stay on the rez for the whole summer Syd’s grandpa owned a ranch on the Navajo Nation It was an American Indian reservation that went into Arizona New Mexico and Utah
