Kids into books: Animorphs - The Illusion

Animorphs: The Illusion
Author: K. A. Applegate
Publisher: Scholastic, $11.95
Age Group: 9-12 years

I could choose to trap myself in my human form now, but I would lose my morphing power for good. Do you see? I would be useless. Unable to honor my responsibility to Earth, powerless to resist Yeerk evil.

"Just dance with me, Tobias. Please." A slow song started. I was surprised. I actually knew this once. Goo Goo Dolls. Couples filled up the dance floor. Cassie and Jake were on the other side of the gym, swaying gently, arms around each other.

Rachel reached out and took my hand.

It's funny. We've been on so many missions together. Battled Hork-Bajir-Controllers side by side. Saved each other's lives time and again. And still, after all that, it's something as simple as dancing that makes my heart pound.

Out onto the dance floor. I slid my arms around her waist. Felt her hands on my neck.

I let myself relax. Something I can rarely do as a hawk and an Animorph. I gave myself over to the moment. Let the music rhythm lull me into a waking dream.

We danced, turning slowly. As we turned, my eyes wandered to the darkened scoreboard up in the corner. Banners listing the school's team victories. The bleachers, where a balloon had just broken free and sailed toward the ceiling.

And then I saw ... the clock.

The time!

I jerked away to get a better look. Human eyes are worthless for long distances. Could the clock be right?

"Oh, God. Rachel. Eight minutes," I whispered wildly. "I have to get out of here."

"No, wait a minute. Stay."

"Stay? Rachel have you lost it? I have to find a place to demorph. Now!"

I tried to stay calm, but ended up half-walking, half-running toward the door, brushing past a teacher i used to have for English, back when I was still in school. Mr Feyroyan. He did a double take, but i was gone before he had a chance to remember me.

(Continued on P9 of Animorphs - The Illusion)