Excerpt 4

“Tryouts for the Beechland Spring Review,” I read aloud. “Come share your singing, acting or dancing talents with us for this year’s show. Everyone’s welcome to try out. Auditions will be held in the gymnasium next Friday afternoon from 4 to 6. If you have any questions, contact Marci Kapnicky, president of the Thespian Club.”

“Wow, Billie! You should try out,” Sarah says with way too much excitement in her voice.

“You’ve got to be joking. No way, Sarah! I would never make it.”

“But you have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard,” she says.

Sarah is really trying to talk me into this crazy idea.

“I’m only a sixth grader. I’m sure the seventh and eighth graders have a lot more talent than I do,” I say, trying to convince Sarah and myself at the same time.

“Just think about it,” she says. “You have a whole week to decide.”

“And anyway, what song would I sing for the tryouts?”

“I don’t know, Billie. What song do you know really well?”

“‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz,” I blurt out.

“That would be great!” She gives me a big smile.

“Okay, Sarah. I’ll think about it over the weekend. Because I know you’ll keep bugging me about it if I don’t."