Green Algae and Bubble Gum Wars (20 page)

“Bad news, bubba,” said Bailey, tugging on Matt's sleeve. “We gotta run or we'll be late for the movie. My club, Students for Environmental Action, is showing an awesome documentary on global warming,” she explained.

“But I don't want to leave,” Matt whined jokingly.

“Me neither, but as president of SEA I have to be present at all club events.” Bailey and Matt waved good-bye to Katani and Maeve and
slowly
made their way out the door.

Maeve looked smugly at Katani. “Still think opposites attract?”

Katani knew she'd been beaten and smiled. “Maybe not.”

Maeve grabbed Katani's hand. “But just in case you still have any doubt…follow me.” She dragged Katani to a huge crowd that had gathered in one corner of the gym. Chelsea, Charlotte, and Nick Montoya were giving a live demonstration of their project—a green campsite. They had managed to borrow equipment from all sorts of hiking stores. They had solar-powered grills and showers, tents made of 100 percent recycled products, organic food, and bug repellent. Charlotte had made a diagram demonstrating how portable solar panels could be used to power an entire campsite.

People were so pumped by their demonstration that they were signing up for a solar camping trip to be led by Charlotte, Nick, Chelsea, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Moore, Ms. R…and the Crow! Katani noticed that even though all three kids were
having a great time leading the group, Charlotte and Nick had a special connection—they always had—due to their mutual love of travel and exploration. Katani made a note to tell Maeve that common interests might be the basis of true romance.

“Attention,” called Mrs. Fields as Mr. Moore wheeled a huge monitor onto the stage. “Attention, everyone. We have a very special surprise for you all.” She turned on the TV and a face familiar to the BSG appeared on the screen. It was Sally Ride, the world famous astronaut, congratulating the school for taking the time to learn about the environment and proving that science can be fun.

Katani and Maeve squeezed their way over to Isabel and Avery. “How is Reggie DeWitt?” Avery whispered to Katani in a sing-songy voice.

Maeve put her finger over Avery's lips and pointed to the screen. “This is supposed to about science, Avery. Have some respect!”

Katani gave her a grateful look, and Maeve knew that her mother was right…she
was
growing up.

Green Algae and Bubble Gum Wars

BOOK EXTRAS

Trivialicious Trivia

 

Book Club Buzz

 

Charlotte's Word Nerd Dictionary

green algae and bubble gum wars trivialicious trivia
  1. What is Matt's nickname for Maeve?
    • A. Maevester
    • B. Maevey-Baby
    • C. Mix-Master-Curl
    • D. Little Red
  2. Who offers to watch Sam at the Sally Ride Science Festival?
    • A. Matt
    • B. Bailey
    • C. Charlotte
    • D. Maeve
  3. Who is Sally Ride?
    • A. The new AAJH science teacher
    • B. An MIT professor
    • C. Matt's girlfriend
    • D. The first American female astronaut to go into space
  4. Bailey uses her special fertilizer to grow what kind of plant?
    • A. Sunflowers
    • B. Peonies
    • C. Green beans
    • D. Roses
  5. Which celebrity is endorsing Tru Blu Gum?
    • A. Audrey Hepburn
    • B. Madonna
    • C. Jake Axle
    • D. Caleb Tucker
  6. Who does Charlotte ask for help with her science project?
    • A. Mrs. Fields
    • B. Mr. Ramsey
    • C. Matt
    • D. Miss Pierce
  7. What is the name of the group that makes snacks for Jimmy's lacrosse team?
    • A. The Snackers
    • B. The Snack Club
    • C. Snack Attack
    • D. The Food Group
  8. What can't Avery's gum do?
    • A. Stick to things
    • B. Taste good
    • C. Contain sugar
    • D. Create bubbles
  9. What is wrong with Reggie's science project?
    • A. One of the calculations is wrong
    • B. It has nothing to do with the environment
    • C. He left it at home
    • D. Nothing
  10. What color is the rose that Reggie gives Katani?
    • A. red
    • B. white
    • C. yellow
    • D. pink

ANSWERS: 1. C.
Mix-Master-Curl
2. C.
Charlotte
3. D.
The first American female astronaut to go into space
4. B.
Peonies
5. C.
Jake Axle
6. D.
Miss Pierce
7. B.
The Snack Club
8. D.
Create bubbles
9. A.
One of the calculations is wrong
10. C.
yellow

10 Q
UESTIONS FOR
Y
OU AND
Y
OUR
F
RIENDS TO
C
HAT
A
BOUT

  1. Have you ever done a science fair project? If so, what did you do? What's the most fun science project you can think of?
  2. Reggie's new wardrobe and attitude annoy Katani. Why do you think Reggie changed the way he dressed and acted? Have you ever changed the way you dressed or acted in order to seem cooler or fit in?
  3. Maeve is unsure about wearing a bra, and at first she feels like she doesn't have anyone to talk to about it. Who can you talk to about growing up? What are some questions that you have?
  4. Isabel and Avery play matchmaker by getting Elena Maria and Scott together. Do you think
    it was a good idea for them to do that? What do you think could have happened if their plan backfired?
  5. Kiki Underwood's dad gets a pop star to endorse Tru Blu Gum. Do you think celebrities make products like foods or clothing cooler? Do you think celebrities make good role models? If your favorite celebrity chewed Tru Blu Gum, would you buy it and chew it, even if it was bad for you or you didn't like the taste?
  6. Maeve decides that Matt and Bailey are a good match when she realizes how much they have in common. How important is it to share common interests with someone you care about? Do you think a relationship can work out even if the people in it are very different from each other?
  7. What are some things can you do to help the environment? How can you learn more about environmental issues?
  8. Maeve tells Matt that “girls like me and science do not mix,” and Anna and Joline tell the BSG that the Sally Ride Science Festival is for dweebs only. How do you feel about those statements? What do you like or dislike about science?
  9. Even though Katani is annoyed with Reggie, she still helps him by telling him about the errors in his calculations. What would you have done and why?
  10. Maeve idolizes Audrey Hepburn, and Charlotte admires Sally Ride. Whom do you look up to and why?

Charlotte Ramsey

Charlotte's Word Nerd Dictionary

BSG Words

Wicked
adjective
—awesome; really cool

Ri-donc-ulous:
adjective
—ridiculous, outlandish

Yummiliciousness
noun
—tastiness that is even yummier than delicious

Yuuugly
adjective
—beyond ugly

Dream-crush
noun
—a guy who is like someone you might want as a boyfriend someday

Glam-tastic
adjective
—glamorous to the max

Other Cool Words…

Luxuriate
verb
—to indulge in luxury

Chided
verb
—scolded

Bohemian:
noun
—creative person who lives and acts without regard for conventional rules

Subtle:
adjective
—something that's almost hidden, that isn't obvious

Spearheaded
verb
—acted as the leader

Handiwork
noun
—a particular person's work

Mischievously
adverb
—teasingly

Infamous
adjective
—having a bad reputation

Minions
noun
—followers or sidekicks

Atrocious
adjective
—really bad; hideous

Dubiously
adverb
—doubtfully or hesitantly

Sabotage
verb
—to try to prevent someone from achieving a goal

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