As Super Turbo finished his hamster pellets, the bell rang to signal that lunch was over for the humans, too.

“Well, back to work!” said Turbo to no one in particular. He hopped on his hamster wheel and began to run, just like an average, ordinary hamster would.

As the students of Classroom C filed back into the room, many of them walked by Turbo’s cage to wave hi. Turbo squeaked a little hamster squeak at each of them. The kids loved Turbo, and he loved them.

Ms. Beasley, the second-grade teacher, took her place in the front of her room and cleared her throat. “Listen up, class, I have an announcement!”

Turbo’s ears perked up. An announcement from Ms. Beasley could mean a lot of things. It could mean the class was having a pop quiz. Turbo always felt bad for them when that happened. Or it could mean they were getting a water fountain that was for chocolate milk instead of water! Or it could mean something . . . evil. And Turbo always had to be prepared for evil.

“As you know,” said Ms. Beasley, “we have a holiday weekend coming up. And that means one of you will have an important assignment.”

The class started whispering with excitement.

This doesn’t sound evil so far, thought Turbo.

“Now, normally I’d take Turbo home with me for the long weekend. But I’m headed out of town, and I bet Turbo could use a vacation from these linoleum halls too. So, anyone who wants to take Turbo home, ask your parents’ permission tonight and you can put your name in a hat on Friday.”

The class buzzed excitedly at this news.