Kids into books: Animorphs - The Illusion

Animorphs: The Illusion

Author: K. A. Applegate

Publisher: Scholastic, $11.95

Age Group: 9-12 years


I glanced at her. She seemed impatient. Angry almost, as she surveyed the dimly lit gym in an absent yet determined way. They'd taped some helium balloons to the bleachers and draped strings of multicoloured lights from the basketball hoops. We were down at the far end next to the deejay. So close to the speaker my eardrums were numb.

Rachel was as beautiful as ever. Really. I mean I wouldn't tell her this, but she made the other girls look pretty plain. Her gold hair gleamed in the strobe light. Her bright eyes caught mine. I knew she wanted me to dance with her. I just couldn't do it. My human body was sweating. I felt confined. I needed air. I looked away.

Did I mention that my name is Tobias?

Just Tobias. Even if it were safe to tell you my last name, I'm not sure I'd know what to say. Whether it would be a human name, an Andalite name, or just "hawk." I don't know. Because, see, I'm a little of each.

"Let's kick it, boys and girls!"

My friend Marco, unlike me, was in paradise. He was belting out lyrics like his first name was "Ice" or something.

He slide-stepped toward us, spun around, and stopped, squealing his sneaker on the gym floor. He froze with one finger pointed at me and one at Rachel.

She glared at him. "Some kind of chemical imbalance, Marco?"


Tomorrow: Lights, music and magic!