CHAPTER 24

Sofia found help at the library. And it was speedy. Thirty minutes later, she met Iggy, Ada, and Rosie at Marisella’s house. Marisella was on the porch with Pickles.

“We’re just playing together a little more,” said Marisella. “Mom is taking him to the pet store tomor—” Her voice cracked and she blinked back tears.

“We’re sorry the class didn’t vote for a bird,” said Rosie.

“Me too,” said Marisella. “But I understand.”

“I think we all understand better now,” said Iggy.

Sofia smiled at her friend. “We do,” she said.

“I have to go pack up Pickles’s stuff,” said Marisella.

“Wait!” said Sofia. “We have a surprise! Close your eyes.”

Marisella closed her eyes, and the Questioneers got ready.

“Okay!” they called. “Ta-daaa!”

Marisella opened her eyes. She was stunned.

“What?” she asked. “I don’t understand. How could—”

“Sofia went to the library and asked,” said Iggy.

“You mean—” started Marisella.

“Yep!” said Sofia. “He can start as soon as you want. And you can visit anytime!”

“Thank you!” said Marisella, admiring her beautiful new Reading Buddy.

“Pretty bird!” squawked Pickles. “Meow! Woof!”

“Smart bird,” said Sofia. “You’ll fit right in.”

“I think he will!” said Marisella. “Thanks to you.”

“Do you think the Reading Buddies could visit school, too?” asked Rosie. “They could help even more kids learn to read!”

Sofia smiled. She loved how good ideas grew into more good ideas when people worked together. She also loved her friends, who were always ready to help.

After a few minutes, Marisella went inside. Ada and Rosie walked down the sidewalk together, but Iggy stayed back a moment.

“Thank you, Sofia,” he said. “You helped Marisella and everybody.”

“We all helped,” said Sofia with a smile.

Iggy smiled back. “I was wondering,” he said. “What do you think about a class mascot? We could have another election to vote on it!”

Sofia smiled. “Like the Lions?” she asked. “Or the Bears?”

“I was thinking something more like the Chrysler Buildings!”

Sofia grinned. “Gets my vote.”

The two friends parted ways. Sofia smiled as she thought about Marisella and her parrot and Iggy and his vote. Even though it hadn’t gone as she had imagined at the beginning, the process had worked. They still had to raise money for the class turtle, and there was lots to do. She thought about Miss Greer, who had been nervous about trying something new and electing a class pet. It really had been a Learning Experience.

Sofia reached into her satchel and pulled out a cookie. She took a bite and smiled.

Abuelo had been right, too. The election had been a Learning Experience. But, like this batch of cookies, it was a good one.