The Challenge by Gary Soto Are boys better at sports than girls? Some people may think so, but think again as you read this story about Jose and Estella.

Attention Close or careful observing or listening. Jose paid close attention to the teacher. Source of photo: www.fotosearch.com/BNS111/edu71

Awkward Uncomfortable Meeting new people is sometimes awkward. Source of photo: www.fotosearch.com/RBL149/c6_39

Bragged Boasted The student bragged about her A+ on the test. Source of clip art: thepartytree.netfirms.com/facts_sheet.htm

Briskly Quickly, energetically She walked briskly home from school. Source of photo: /www.fotosearch.com/MDG120/612012

encourage To give support or confidence I encouraged my friend to sign up for the play. Source of clip art: www.fotosearch.fr/.../ encouragement.html

Managed Succeeded in doing something with difficulty They somehow managed to complete all of their homework before school was over! Source of clip art: dir.coolclips.com/Business/.../ Accomplishment

Notice To become aware of I did not notice that it was about to rain, so I did not bring my umbrella. Source of photo: www.fotosearch.com/DGV616/740123

All About Gary Soto Did you know that Gary Soto grew up in Fresno? Many of his stories take place here in the Central Valley. Read more about Gary at this web site: http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai/soto.html