Paula Nuñez stepped into K5. CLAP! The classroom door swung shut, and she quickly hid behind it.
A bright yellow crayon rolled across the floor. Isabella called, “Want to draw?”
Paula Nuñez caught the crayon and sat beside Isabella. Together, they drew a wobbly house.
Then Paula Nuñez’s paper slipped under the table. Chairs scraped, pencils tumbled, and she crawled after it.
“Here it is,” Paula Nuñez whispered. Isabella scooted over, leaving room for the paper and one more chair.
School days passed. Paula Nuñez joined Ale, Mile, and Juli at the art table, where crayons traveled from hand to hand.
A purple sun appeared, and everyone giggled. “Paula Nuñez, your turn!” they called.
Paula Nuñez drew a giant blue window. The picture suddenly had room for everyone.
In second grade, Paula Nuñez tried to speak during circle time. A squeaky chair and a dropped book interrupted the word.
Ara picked up the book. “Want to say it together?” Paula Nuñez nodded.
They said the word together—LOUD! The class goldfish wiggled in its bowl.
Now Paula Nuñez walked into class and waved. Isabella, Ale, Mile, Juli, and Ara waved back.
Five friends slid over, leaving one place at the table. Paula Nuñez opened the purple-sun picture.
“Let’s make another one!” Paula Nuñez said. Crayons rolled, chairs scooted, and the new paper waited.