2 who's only 4 foot 9 and gives us hope that someone small can still be famous They've called her Little Miss Dynamite since she was twelve two years older than Lila and me I'd love a nickname like that one I could be proud of I'd love to open my mouth one day and show the world my big beautiful sound But right now I am happy just to be dancing in my best friend's basement believing all my dreams will come true
3 Two Babies on a Blanket I met Lila when I was six months old not that I really remember of course Momma says we were two babies on a blanket bows on bald heads staring at each other Mrs. Cummings Lila's momma likes to have coffee and cookies with mine So cute the way you two grew up together Mrs. Cummings often says Side by side In houses maybe not in height Lila's been smaller than me smaller than everybody our age since we took our first steps in her mother's lemon yellow kitchen That hasn't stopped Lila from taking the lead She's the baby of three girls and has learned to speak up fast before all the best chocolates are gone from the box
4 Unlike me who usually waits lets others pick first gets stuck with the leftovers no one else wants I don't like fights I can't win I know better than to argue with Lila to choose Monopoly when she wants to play Concentration That's why when we're done singing Mrs. Cummings is surprised to find me still in her house I didn't hear your voice Trudie she says Only Lila's
5 Spelling Bee News Daddy comes home from his print shop at six the time I'm supposed to leave Lila's and be home for dinner I run through the raindrops across her yard and mine up the steps to our porch to find Daddy already there waiting to hug me How was school he wants to know like he always does and I tell him Fine like I always do even though it's rarely true Except today I have extra news for Daddy My spelling test 100 percent four weeks in a row It means Mrs. Bryan chose me to represent our fourth grade class in the schoolwide bee coming this Friday My daughter Daddy grins The American
