Kids into books: The A.O.K Project

Kids into books:The A.O.K. Project

Author: Vivienne Joseph

Illustrator: Trevor Pye

Publisher: Mallinson Rendel, $14.95

Age Group: 8-11 years


Maia looks shocked. "You shouldn't be rude like that. My kuia's old and I'm not rude to her."

Stacey flicks a piece of rolled-up paper off her ruler across the room. "We could do something for your kuia."
Glen groans.

I slump on my desk.

"Having difficulties?" Ms Love's voice floats somewhere near my head. I can smell flowers - it must be her perfume. It sure makes a change from the usual smells like runners and mouldy lunches.

I sit up.

Glen scratches his nose with his pen. þ It's weird, doing things for no money.þ

Ms Love smiles. "Quite a thought, isn't it?"

We all talk at once.

"... not fair, really ..."

"... why should we?"

And Sergei, waving his hands in the air, "Kind-ness?"

Ms Love beams at him. "Yes, Sergei. You're right. Out of kindness."

I mime putting my finger down my throat.

Ms Love gives me the laser-look. Her eyes remind me of my best marble. The one I call Blue Icer. "Cameron, I thought after our talk at the end of last term ..."
Yeah, I remember. The talk about my starting off afresh, like heading up a new white page. About trying harder.


Tomorrow: Ideas, please!