“Class, this is Jessie Bellway. Say hello,” announced Ms. Cavender.
The fifth-grade class answered back in unison, “Hi, Jessie.”
One boy added loudly, “Jessie"s a boy"s name.” The other kids laughed.
Jessie twisted her bright red curls, intently staring at the floor.
“That"s enough. Go ahead and take a seat in that empty desk, Jessie. Derek, you know we don"t tease in this class. Five points from your section.” His section groaned. Jessie carefully navigated between the tight rows of desks. She gave a weak smile to the kids around her.
Another boy with dark hair whispered to his friend, “Gingers have no souls,” just loud enough for Jessie to hear. She stared down at her new desk. She wouldn"t look at anyone.
Ms. Cavender watched jessie all day, her gaze always searching for clues to
