1 Recess in Africa

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1 RECESS IN AFRICA? A spring wind blew across the schoolyard. The playground was bathed in morning light. Kids were shouting, tossing balls and running races. "Jack!" Jack was playing volleyball. He saw Annie calling to him from the edge of the court. "I need your help, please!" she shouted. "I'll be right back," Jack said to his teammates. He ran over to Annie. "What's up?" he said. "I left the folder for my science project at home," Annie said. "I have to give my report after recess. My teacher called Mom at work. Mom said I can go home and get it if you come with me. We have to be back in fifteen minutes, before recess ends!" "Okay, no problem," said Jack. Their house was only a couple of blocks away. He turned to his

friends. "We have to get something at home! Be back soon!" Jack and Annie ran from the playground and started up the sidewalk toward their house. "What's your report about?" asked Jack. "What do you think?" said Annie. Jack smiled. "Some kind of animal," he said. "But what is it?" Annie was an expert on animals. "All kinds," said Annie. "I have to get my big folder of pictures." Heading up their street, Jack and Annie walked by a church and the library. As they passed the Frog Creek woods, Annie grabbed Jack's arm. "Stop! Look!" she said. She pointed to a small gray bird sitting on a branch. The bird had a bright-red beak. Its yellow eyes were staring straight at them. "What's that?" said Jack. "A red-billed oxpecker," Annie said in a hushed voice. "I thought they only lived in Africa." The bird let out a raspy cry. "He wants us to follow him," said Annie. "We can't. Not if you want to get your folder," said Jack. "We have just enough time to go to our

house and get back to school before the end of recess." The oxpecker cried out again. Then it spread its wings, lifted off the branch, and flew into the woods. "We have to follow him!" said Annie. "We can't do both. I told you," said Jack. "Make a choice. Your science report? Or the bird?" The oxpecker called from the trees. "The bird!" said Annie. She started running. "Oh, man," said Jack. But he hurried after Annie.