"Finish your breakfast, Wendy. We don't want to be late!" Mom cleaned the table and began washing the dishes. 

Wendy, nervously rubbing the edges of her wheelchair, said, "What if I don't make any friends, Mom?" Her voice trembled with fear at the thought.

"Wendy, you're amazing!" Mom said, "Why don't you think you'll make any friends at your new school?" "Because I'm in a wheelchair!" Wendy exclaimed. "They may not want to get to know me." Mom, sensing the anxiety in Wendy's voice, said "Just be yourself, honey. They'll see how wonderful you are!"

The drive to school was silent. "Don't stress, Wendy," Mom said, trying to reassure her. "I've already met with your teachers. They're so excited to work with you!" "I'll just bet," said Wendy, leaning her head against the window.

When Wendy arrived at school, her teacher, Mrs. Smith, greeted her with a warm smile. "Welcome, Wendy! I've prepared a desk for you, right next to Angie. She's our class president and will help you get settled in." Angie smiled and waved for Wendy to sit next to her. "She seems alright, I guess" Wendy thought.

At lunch, Wendy and Angie began talking. "What are some things you like to do? Our school has a lot of fun clubs and teams!" "I...I used to play basketball, but I don't think you guys would want me on your team."

"Sure we would, why wouldn't we? And you're in luck because basketball tryouts start next week!" "I'll think about it," Wendy said.

Later at gym class, the gym teacher made sure to review the special rules with Wendy. "Remember Wendy, take breaks whenever you need, and I've lowered the goal for better access. Are you ready to play?" "I sure am, pass me the ball!" Wendy said, enthusiastically.

Wendy did so well during gym class, that she was actually excited for Math. "When are those basketball tryouts again, Angie?" she whispered as the class entered the room. "Next week! I know you'll make the team!"

8 x 4 = 32

6 x 5 = 30

7 x 7 = 49

The following week, Wendy and her mom visited the school to talk to the basketball coach. "I just wanted to be sure that Wendy would be safe while playing," Mom said, looking concerned. "We've talked to the other players and they know the rules of playing basketball with a friend in a wheelchair. She's a great player!"

That night at dinner, Wendy's mom told her that she was okay with Wendy joining the team. "Now that I've talked with your coach and teachers, I think it's a great idea!" "Thanks Mom," Wendy said, "but I still have to make the team first." "I wouldn't worry too much about that, Mom said with a smirk.