“July? Seriously?” he asked me.
“Yes, bud, July,” I answered.
“Are you sure?” Because he’s an all-knowing sixth grader and I’m just the teacher, he needs to double-check this.
“Well, I went to Heather Brewer’s website and it says pretty clearly that Tenth Grade Bleeds comes out July 9th.” I can say this without even a trace of sarcasm because I’ve had five years of practice.
“Man! July? I won’t even be in your class then!”
“You’ll still be allowed to read it,” I assured him.
“I know – but then we can’t talk about it. Man.” Student hangs his head, sighs, heads back to his desk and picks up his reading response journal.
A few minutes later he’s popped back over to visit. “I thought of two things.”
“Okay.”
“Well, maybe she’ll write faster and it will be out sooner.”
“What’s the second thing?” I asked, not wanting to get into a whole discussion on the publishing industry.
“We can e-mail. But you have to promise to buy the book and read it.” He’s serious.
“Bud, did you think I wouldn’t buy the book and read it?”
“No, I know you will, but you need to buy it ON July 9th. Don’t make me wait this time.”
“Deal,” I agree and we shake.
So, on July 9th, do not call, text, e-mail or tweet at me. I’ve got a date with a vampire named Vlad and then an important e-mail to answer.
If, however, in the month since his elementary graduation, my dear reading buddy has become too 7th-grade-cool to e-mail his former teacher about books – then please call, text, e-mail AND tweet to cheer me up (and talk about the book!).