Marion Takes Charge

Marion, the Big Sister

“Here, Gabby,” Marion Ballard said to her little sister. “I’ll do that for you.”

“No, I can do it!” Gabby replied. She was at the front door, tying her shoes. Marion thought she was doing it way too slowly.

Mrs. Ballard was waiting in the car. Marion checked her watch. It was 8:35. School started at 8:45, and the drive was eight minutes long. If they didn’t get going, they’d be late!



Finally, Gabby was ready. They rushed outside.

Phew! thought Marion as her mom backed out of the driveway.

Marion made sure she had everything. She had her lunch box. She had her sneakers for gym. She peeked inside her homework folder. Yep, she had her homework.



“Do you have your lunch, Gabby?” Marion asked her sister.



Gabby nodded. “Your homework?” Marion said.

Gabby nodded again. She was in kindergarten. She usually had a short math work sheet and some reading homework.

“Your reading folder?” Marion asked.

Gabby’s eyes went wide in alarm. “I forgot to read the new book in my reading folder!”



Marion looked out the car window. They still had a few minutes before they got to school. “Want to read it together now?” Marion asked.

Gabby smiled and nodded. She pulled out the book. It was called My Bike.