1. Mariah Keeps Cool
Genre:
Realistic
Fiction
(excerpt)

2. Here's The Author Mildred Pitts Walter led a
colorful and varied life even
before she became a children's
book author. In 1940, she
became the first member of her
family to go to college. After
finishing college, she moved to California
and became a teacher. There she met and
married Earl Walter. Mildred Walter
became active in organizations that fought
for civil rights for African Americans.

3. Here's The Illustrator A graduate of the Rhode Island
School of Design, Nneka Bennett
has illustrated a number of
noteworthy children's books,
including Vision of Beauty: The
Story of Sarah Breedlove
Walker, written by Kathryn Lasky. But
book illustration is just one of the ways
Bennett uses her artistic talent. She is also
a promising animator.

4. Key Vocabulary

5. detain
A red light will detain
drivers at the intersection.

6. reluctant
Have you ever been
reluctant to make the dive?

7. spectators
The spectators enjoyed
watching the race.

8. suspects
Fluffy suspects this fish
would make a good dinner.

9. springboard
Diving off a springboard is
fun for people
and dogs.

10. errand
Misty went on an errand
to buy a camera.

11. millet
Grain from
millet grass can be used to
make cereal.

12. staples Be sure to have staples like flour, sugar, and
cereal in your pantry.

13. beamed
Mary and Travis
beamed when they received their gifts.

14. huddled
The team members huddled with their coach.