Lesson 6:Go Green

Shen and Isabel visit their old park.Shen turned back, and the two friends enteredTubman Park. The sight of the swings and the merrygo-roundbrought back a flood of memories for Isabel.Shen laughed. “I used to think this slide was so high,”he said to Isabel. “Now it’s not much taller than I am!”“Something’s different about this place now,”Isabel said, stopping to look around.“I’ll say,” said Shen.They saw park benches, tall trees, and a few emptyflowerbeds. But everything looked so old, sad — anddirty. Litter lay on the ground next to an overflowingtrash bin.3

Chapter 2A ReunionOnce inside the library, Isabel and Shen madetheir way to the information desk. The librariandirected them to the computer lab down the hall.They settled in behind an available computer tobegin their research. As Shen dug in his book bag,Isabel whispered, “Don’t look now, but that woman atthe end of table looks awfully familiar.”A few seconds later, Shen glanced at the end ofthe table. The woman was no longer there. “Where isshe?” Shen whispered. He turned to find that she was,in fact, standing right behind them.Mrs. Evans sees Shen and Isabel at the library.6

“Well, well,” the woman said, “Isabel and Shen,whispering together as always.”It was Mrs. Evans, their fifth grade teacher. Afterthey explained why they were there, Shen asked whyshe was there. “We heard you retired last year, so . . . ”“So what am I doing in a library if I’m notworking?” Mrs. Evans finished. “Well, after all thoseyears of reading books aloud to fifth graders, I decidedto try writing one myself!”“I don’t suppose you’re writing a book about howto get a city to clean up its parks, are you?” Isabelasked Mrs. Evans hopefully.7

Mrs. Evans listened as Isabel and Shen explainedwhat they’d seen at the park. Finally, she said, “I thinkthe best thing to do would be to go to City Hall andask them in person.” They agreed that would be themost direct way to learn more about the park.“I could go with you, if you’d like,” Mrs. Evansoffered.Isabel and Shen said good-bye to Mrs. Evans. Theypromised to meet her in front of City Hall the next day.Shen, Isabel, and Mrs. Evans talkabout the park.8

“But what are people supposed to do with theirtrash?” Shen asked.“They’re supposed to take it with them and notleave it all over the park!” the man barked.Isabel spoke up. “Isn’t there somebody else we cantalk to about this? The park seems unsafe for childrento play in!”The man’s expression softened a little. “Look, kids.I wish I could help you. But the city has a very limitedbudget. I’m sorry.”Isabel and Shen left his office. “I give up,” Shensaid. “How can we make a difference, anyway?”Isabel and Shen talk tosomeone at City Hall.10

Chapter 4A Green SolutionWhen Mrs. Evans heard what had happened, sheshook her head. “Can you imagine that? He has thenerve to berate you for being good citizens!”“Well, thanks for your help, Mrs.Evans,” Isabel said. “I guess theydon’t take kids our age veryseriously after all.”“Don’t let one persontell you that you can’t makea difference,” Mrs. Evansreplied. “I have anotheridea. Have you heard of anorganization called Go Green?”Seeing their puzzledexpressions, she explained.“Organizations that protect theenvironment are often called“Green” organizationshelp protect theenvironment.‘green.’ This group warns people about dangers tothe environment and to their health. They’re good atraising money for projects just like yours. They mightbe able to help.”“What would we have to do?” Shen asked.11

“Well, after you’ve finished writing your report,”Mrs. Evans began, “You might try researching ways toclean up Tubman Park.”“You mean finding ways that are ‘green,’ don’tyou?” Isabel asked.Mrs. Evans nodded. “I can arrange for the twoof you to present your ideas to Go Green when theymeet next month. This is a good cause. You’ll just needto do your homework — and be convincing.”“I’m good when it comes to research,” Isabel said.“And Shen is great at presenting. We’ll convince themto buy new trash cans for the park!”Shen waits for his turn to speak.12

Chapter 5Selling the IdeaThree weeks later, Shen stood nervously inthe back of the hall where Go Green was meeting.He reviewed his note cards as he waited to give hispresentation. Shen had a flair for public speaking,although he got nervous beforehand.Isabel, however, was completely relaxed. “You’llbe great, Shen,” she said. “Our solution to clean upTubman Park is just the kind of thing this groupwill go for. It won’t be like the meeting we had atCity Hall.”Just then, Shen heard his name being announced.It was time to present!13

TARGET VOCABULARYberatebrainwashedflairfundamentalgloatlingeredphenomenalreservesavorshowdownTARGET SKILL Conclusions andGeneralizations Use details to explain ideasthat aren’t stated or are generally true.TARGET STRATEGY Analyze/Evaluate Thinkcarefully about the text and form an opinion about it.GENRE Realistic Fiction is a present-day story withevents that could take place in real life.Write About ItIn a famous quotation, Aung San Suu Kyi said,“Please use your freedom to promote ours.”What freedoms do you value most? Why? Writea letter to the editor of a Burmese newspaperexplaining the freedoms you have and why theyare important to you.16

Level: RDRA: 40Genre:Realistic FictionStrategy:Analyze/EvaluateSkill:Conclusions and GeneralizationsWord Count: 1,5426.2.6HOUGHTON MIFFLINOnline Leveled Books1032880