Read an Excerpt
1
Bug Juice
Henry felt lucky. He had four friends.
Exactly enough to make a basketball team.
To Henry, playing sports was better than triple-scoop ice cream. Better than the circus coming to town. Better than anything.
Henry dribbled the ball just inside the chalk line he’d drawn across his driveway. It marked the boundary of his backyard basketball court.
He did a spin move and drove for the basket. A layup is too easy, thought Henry. Instead, he pulled up short. He aimed and threw up a mid-range jump shot. Swish!
“I could squash you like a bug,” snarled a gruff voice.
“Huh?” Henry stared at the boy at the top of his driveway. He had spiky hair. His body slouched to one side.
“Me and my friends,” said Tough Guy. “The Tigers. We can beat anybody.”
“Yeah?” said Henry. “Well, I’ve got friends that are good, too.”
“I doubt it,” sneered Tough Guy.
I’d like to squash him like a bug, thought Henry.
But he didn’t say it out loud. Instead, he said, “We challenge you. Tomorrow. Right here—three o’clock.”
“Your funeral,” said Tough Guy.
