Beebe shook her head. “But remember when you were saving someone’s life?”
“That was a three-second run.”
Beebe opened her mouth. “Do you know what that means?”
“Yes,” Gina said. “We’re going to lose the race.”
“Right,” said Beebe.
The Timpanzi School was up ahead.
A purple banner flew over the door:
WELCOME, ZIGZAG ZEBRAS!
They marched inside.
Dozens of balloons hung from the ceiling.
The Zigzag Zebras were still singing!
Still clapping!
Still stamping their feet!
The gym was filled with people.
Gina saw her mother and father. She saw Grandma Maroni. She even saw Zelda A. Zigzag, the school’s first principal.
What would they all think when she came in last?
The Timpanzi Tigers were waving. They looked friendly.
But something else.
They looked worried, too.
“Time to get ready!” the Timpanzi coach called. “Three times around the gym.”
Ramón nodded. “We’re ready!”
Gina stood in line with the Zigzag Zebras.
Clifton stood next to her.
Then Gina saw the gym door open. “Hey,” she said.
“Hey,” Destiny said, too.
It was Sumiko!
Next to Sumiko was a girl with a bunch of bracelets.
“This is my cousin Satako,” she said.
Satako went to the Timpanzi Tigers line.
Sumiko went to the Zigzag Zebras line. “Uncle Kiyo loves running,” she said. “He wants to have the birthday party after the race.”
“Ready?” Ramón called.
“Get set,” the Timpanzi coach called.
“Go!” they shouted together.
Everyone began to run.
Gina’s old sneakers felt great. She sang to herself.
She didn’t even feel tired.
She still ran like a turtle.
But she was a fast turtle.
Next to her Clifton was singing, too.
They finished once around the gym.
Sumiko was out in front. But so was her cousin Satako.
They started around the gym again.
Gina was feeling peppy. She was feeling happy.
She knew she wouldn’t win the race. But it was fun to run with everyone.
And she was getting faster.
By next year, she might even be at the front of the pack.
Destiny ran next to her. She was singing a thump-thump song. “I don’t feel tired,” she called. “Thanks, Gina!”
Now they were coming to the end of the race.
Who was going to win?
Sumiko and Satako crossed the line at the same time.
“Even Steven!” called Ramón.
“A tie!” called the Timpanzi coach.
Beebe and Charlie came in next!
“Blue ribbons for everyone,” the Timpanzi coach shouted.
Everyone sank down on the floor.
Everyone but Sumiko and Satako.
“You’re all invited to Uncle Kiyo’s birthday party,” Sumiko said.
“We’re having chocolate cake,” said Satako.
“That’s the best part of today,” Gina said.
“I hope there’s not too much sugar,” Clifton said.
Gina looked down at her sneakers.
There was just enough room on them for a little chocolate icing!
She gave a hop.
Her bells jingle-jangled.
She sang along: “Yay, Zigzag Zebras! Yay, Zigzag kids!”
PATRICIA REILLY GIFF is the author of many beloved books for children, including the Kids of the Polk Street School books. Several of her novels for older readers have been chosen as ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Books and ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. They include The Gift of the Pirate Queen; All the Way Home; Water Street; Nory Ryan’s Song, a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Golden Kite Honor Book for Fiction; and the Newbery Honor Books Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. Lily’s Crossing was also chosen as a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book. Her most recent books are R My Name Is Rachel, Storyteller, Wild Girl, and Eleven, as well as the first seven books in the ZigZag Kids series. Patricia Reilly Giff lives in Connecticut.
Patricia Reilly Giff is available for select readings and lectures. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Random House Speakers Bureau at
[email protected] ALASDAIR BRIGHT is a freelance illustrator who has worked on numerous books and advertising projects. He loves drawing and is never without his sketchbook. He lives in Bedford, England.
Patricia Reilly Giff, Zigzag Zoom
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