Free Needle and Thread by Ann M. Martin Page A

onstage before an entire auditorium full of people.
    The sound of clapping hands drew Ruby’s and Ava’s attention to the front of the room.
    â€œGood morning,” said Mr. Lundy as he stood up from his desk. “Find your seats, please, people.”
    Ruby slid into her chair, stuffing several books and a small china crow into her desk as she did so. Ruby had a large collection of china animals at home and she had brought the crow to school that day for good luck. She knew that a crow had gotten Alice Kendall in trouble, but she felt
her
crow might be a good-luck charm.
    Ruby was thinking how lucky she was to live in the twenty-first century, when it was okay to carry goodluck charms and to like crows without being accused of witchcraft, when she heard Mr. Lundy say, “Ruby? Are you with us?”
    Ruby straightened up. “Yes.”
    â€œGood. Because I was talking about the three hundred and fiftieth birthday festivities, and I know they’re of interest to you.” (Ruby nodded.) “Now, as you know,” Mr. Lundy went on, “there are plenty of birthday events that you can participate in. The town will be holding an exhibit of art and another of photographs, and each will include work done by students at Camden Falls Elementary. Also, the auditions for the school play will be held this afternoon.”
    Ava raised her hand. “Ruby’s going to try out for the part of the witch,” she said, and Ruby smiled at her teacher.
    â€œFor the part of Alice Kendall?” asked Mr. Lundy.
    Ruby nodded. “I think I would make a very good witch,” she said.
    â€œI’m sure you’d do a fine job, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to try out for specific roles,” said Mr. Lundy. “I think everyone will be asked to read a few lines, and small groups will be asked to perform scenes. Then the roles will be assigned. In other words, after the director has seen you, Ruby, she’ll decide which role will be the best for you. Do you understand? You won’t be able to try out just for the part of Alice Kendall. And remember, kids in all the grades will be trying out for the play. Sixth-graders, too.”
    Ruby knew what Mr. Lundy was trying to say. It was just what Flora had said to her after the first day of school — that the starring role might go to an older kid, not a fourth-grader. But Ruby couldn’tpicture herself playing any part other than that of Alice Kendall, the poor, misunderstood, wrongly accused woman. So all Ruby said to Mr. Lundy was, “Okay.”
    Â 
    The day of the tryouts, Ruby thought, was surely the longest since school had begun that year. She couldn’t pay attention to much of anything Mr. Lundy said, and by the afternoon she found herself seated in a chair right next to him — at his desk, facing the rest of the classroom. “Ruby,” said Mr. Lundy, “you’re about two steps away from not being allowed to audition.
Please
pay attention.”
    Ruby did so. And when class was finally dismissed, Mr. Lundy said to her, “Good luck, Ruby.”
    â€œThank you!” Ruby shoved the china crow into her pocket and ran down the hall, as Ava and several other classmates called after her, “Good luck! We hope you get to be the witch!”
    The tryouts were to be held in the auditorium. When Ruby arrived, she found Flora and Olivia waiting for her.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” she asked.
    â€œWe came to watch,” said Flora.
    â€œTo cheer you on,” added Olivia. “Are you nervous?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œRuby never gets nervous,” said Flora.
    â€œThat’s not true.
Sometimes
I get nervous.”
    â€œHardly ever.”
    â€œWell, don’t fight about it,” said Olivia.
    â€œPeople! People! May I have your attention, please?”
    â€œThat’s Mrs. Gillipetti,” said Olivia. “I think she’s going to be your