Kids into Books: Mystery Bay

Author: Carol Krueger

Illustrator: Wendy Wray

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $9.85

Age group: 11+ years


The next morning, I proudly put my new running shoes in my bag for school. I was sitting at my desk, opening my pencil case when Alice Parker made her spectacular entrance. My mouth fell open. She was wearing the red top and brown pants from the mall and she looked stunning. Admiring glances swept over her. I felt this horrible knot in my stomach. She sat down and looked across at me. Her green eyes were shining like emeralds.

After lunch, the school assembled at the track for the final trials for who would represent our school at the regional athletics competition. I was wearing my new shoes, and I crouched down into the starting position. Alice crouched next to me. She swished her ponytail in my face as the starting gun went off. There was no way I was going to stay behind that waving ponytail, so I surged forward just to get away. The crowd cheered, and I ran - and ran - I was first across the line. Alice sulked on the side. Everyone was aesthetic. Crowds are fickle. It's funny how they always seem to back the winner. Now I was the flavour of the moment.

Mr Keith patted his hand across my sweaty shoulder.

"Good for you! I knew you could do it. You'll do it tomorrow, too!"

Then he made the big announcement. Three of us were to race at the regional competition: John Allen, Alice Parker, and me.