Little White Lies Read Online Free PDF Page A

Vanessa,” she said.
    And we kept moving around the room until it was Alison’s turn.
    â€œHi, I’m Alison. My favorite book is actually a graphic novel—
The Black Cat
. I love it because it has a good story and because I, um, draw. I’m trying to become a better writer so I can have good stories for my illustrations.”
    â€œI haven’t read many graphic novels, Alison, but perhaps you could recommend me a few of your favorites,” Mr. Davidson said.
    â€œOkay,” Alison said, grinning. She scribbled a note in her folder. The more time I spent with Alison, the more I realized that I knew absolutely nothing about her. I’d seen a couple of her horse sketches, but I had no idea she wanted to write. I wondered if her graphic novels were about horses.
    Mr. Davidson looked over at me, smiling.
    I looked around at the group. “I’m Sasha. I’ve read
My Friend Flicka
only a hundred times. My mom had to buy me another copy because the pages started falling out. I’m on the riding team and spend most of my time at the stable.”
    â€œThat’s a wonderful book,” Mr. Davidson said. “I read it several years ago and really enjoyed it.”
    Paige was up next.
    â€œHi,” she said. “I’m Paige Parker and my favorite book is
Alice in Wonderland
. I read it after watching the Disneymovie a zillion times when I was a kid. I love to cook and spend waaay too much time dreaming up new recipes that usually fail.”
    Everyone laughed. Paige could have told everyone that she was a TV star and gotten away with it because she was so nice, but she’d never do that.
    Then, Mandy, Brad, Derek, Lee, and Aaron went. Paige and I traded smiles. This was the coolest class ever.
    â€œI’m glad to know your favorite books,” Mr. Davidson said. “All of your picks say something about you and none of your choices were even close to the same book. I think we’re going to have a great class.”
    We smiled.
    â€œTake a look at the syllabus,” Mr. Davidson said. “Read the assigned chapters in our first book—
The Secret Garden
—and be prepared to discuss tomorrow. It’s time for everyone to get to their next class.”
    Everyone looked at the clock. That was the fastest class ever! Paige and I walked out of the classroom together.
    â€œThat is
so
my favorite class,” I said.
    Paige giggled. “It’s only the first one.”
    â€œSeriously? You think anything can top
that
?” I checked my schedule. “Not unless the Sweet Shoppe is catering our science class. Let’s go.”
    We started for the science building. It was just a short walk down the hill.
    â€œSooo,” Paige said. “I was looking at the calendar and there’s something, like, special happening this week.”
    â€œReally?” I pretended to be confused. “Like what?”
    â€œYour thirteenth birthday! That’s the only benefit of school starting a week early—we get to celebrate together!”
    I smiled. “That’s def a benefit.”
    Paige whipped out her purple and white striped notebook. “Since your birthday’s on Thursday and it’s already Monday, it’s way too late to plan a party on your actual birthday. I already texted Callie and we want to throw you a blowout party next Friday. Interested?”
    I almost dropped my books. “Paige! Omigod! That’s so sweet of you guys.”
    Paige wouldn’t even look at me as she wrote in her notebook; she just nodded. “You’ll have the best night ever.”
    We reached the science building, found our room, and took a couple of seats at one of the rows of long tables. Two giant whiteboards were at the front of the class and the teacher’s desk was off in the corner. It was covered with geeky gadgets—like the swinging magnetic balls, orbs with electricity, and a vase of sand art.
    As I took out my book,