3.
The Missing Homework
Jude sat at his desk, staring blankly as Ms. Ray walked down the row collecting homework.
He had done it. He remembered printing it and putting it in his folder last night. But now, it was
gone.
When she reached his desk, he stuttered, “Um...I had it. I swear.”
Ms. Ray raised her eyebrow. “That’s the third time this month, Jude.”
The class snickered. Jude sank into his seat.
That afternoon, he turned his room upside down. His folder? Empty. His desk? Just pencils and
candy wrappers. Finally, he peeked into the living room.
His 5-year-old sister, Emmy, was coloring on something that looked familiar.
Jude’s heart dropped.
“Is that… my science homework?!”
She looked up. “I made a rainbow turtle. Do you like it?”
His beautiful pie chart was covered in squiggles, smiley faces, and stickers.
The next day, he handed it to Ms. Ray with a note from his mom and Emmy’s drawing still
attached.
Ms. Ray studied the paper, then burst into laughter.
“Well, Jude, this is the most creative assignment I’ve received all year.”