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Chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Worst Assembly Ever
Rufus Rodriguez had a feeling something bad was coming. He could tell by the way the teachers kept whispering to each other with their arms crossed, and by how Principal Blackburn stood at the front of the gymnasium with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Students of Jefferson Elementary," Principal Blackburn said into the microphone, her voice echoing off the walls, "I have exciting news about a change that will make our school healthier and more productive."
Rufus leaned over to his best friend, Delia Washington. "This doesn't sound exciting."
"Shh," Delia whispered back, but she looked worried too.
"Starting Monday," the principal continued, "we will be replacing traditional recess with the Blackburn Better Bodies program. Instead of unstructured play, students will participate in organized fitness drills designed to maximize physical development."
A murmur rippled through the gym. Rufus felt his stomach drop like he'd just missed the last step on a staircase.
"No more recess?" he said, louder than he meant to.
Mrs. Chen, his fifth-grade teacher, shot him a look.
Principal Blackburn smiled wider. "Think of it as better recess. More efficient. More beneficial."
Rufus looked around at his classmates. Some looked confused. Others looked scared. His friend Jerome Carter, who lived for four-square, had his mouth hanging open.
After the assembly, Rufus caught up with Delia and Jerome in the hallway.
"She can't do this," Rufus said. "Can she?"
"My mom says principals can do whatever they want," Jerome said glumly.
"But recess is the best part of school!" Rufus threw his hands up. "It's where we actually get to be kids!"
Delia pushed her glasses up her nose. "Maybe we should talk to our parents. Get them to complain."
That night, Rufus tried. He explained everything to his mom while she made dinner.
"Honey, I'm sure Principal Blackburn knows what's best," his mom said, stirring the spaghetti sauce. "Exercise is important."
"But Mom—"
"Maybe give it a chance?"
Rufus stabbed at his garlic bread. The adults weren't going to help. If someone was going to fix this, it would have to be the kids.
