Chapter One

My name is Ginger Green. I am seven years old. I am the Playdate Queen!

This afternoon, my friend Skye is coming over.

Skye is my new friend from ballet. Skye has never been to my house.

Skye does not know that my house is tall like a tree house.

Skye does not know that my bed is tall like a stage.

Last Saturday at ballet, I said, “Skye, I am Ginger Green, Playdate Queen. Would you like to come and play with me?”

Skye turned PINK.

After class, Skye’s dad said, “YES!”

At twelve o’clock, the doorbell rings.

DING DONG!

It is Skye and her dad.

Mom says, “Come in!”

Skye comes in.

Skye’s dad comes in too.

“I’ll wait until the girls are settled,” says Skye’s dad.

“Sure,” says Mom.

She smiles, but I can see that Mom is not happy.

Saturday is for making beds.

Saturday is for reading the paper.

Mom does not want to make coffee for Skye’s dad.

“What do you want to play?” I ask Skye.

I don’t know what my new friend Skye likes to do.

Skye turns PINK.

Skye says nothing. She looks at her boots.

“Skye likes to play dress-up,” says Skye’s dad.

“Great,” I say. “I am Ginger Green, Playdate Queen!

I LOVE dress-up.”

I open the dress-up box.

Skye takes a pointy hat and a wand.

“I am a WITCH,” she says.

Skye’s dad laughs.

I put on a pirate hat and a swishy skirt. I grab a parrot and a sword.

“I am Ginger Green, Pirate Queen!” I yell.

“Arrrrr, me hearties,” says Skye’s dad.

I stop. I feel my cheeks turn PINK.

“Don’t mind me,” says Skye’s dad.

Skye’s dad is kind, but it’s hard to play dress-up with a dad in the room.

I do not feel like a Pirate Queen anymore.

I cannot find my pirate voice.