The reason I am writing  this book is because some of my classmates think I am kind of strange and/or odd.  I really don't think I am "stuck up", or "better than everyone else".  But, I will let you make up your own mind.  So let's get started with my story.

My                                      Family

My name is Nancy. I go to  Hillcrest Elementary School and I'm in the 4th grade.  I love going to school because I like to learn new things. My teacher makes everything interesting. I like to imagine that I am part of the story she is reading. She reads about famous people and far-away places that we've never heard about.   A lot of kids in my class think I am stuck-up or I want to be the teacher's pet.  

All About Me

This is my school, Hillcrest Elementary School.  I usually walk to school by myself because I am the only one in my neighborhood who goes to Hillcrest .  My teachers tell my mom and dad that I am a good student. I try to be polite and work hard.

   my school 

  I have been in school with all the kids in my class since kindergarten.  There are two girls in my class that I sometimes work with on projects in class.  We don't see each other outside of class since we don't live close to each other. Most of the time after school I spend time at home.  The other kids think I am being stand offish, but I just like being at home.

        Marci 

with blond hair and glasses

Me

      Margaret

with brown hair and blue eyes

 Since I happen to be a super good reader,  I can visualize our spelling words in my mind, I usually get 100% on my spelling tests.  Once in a while someone might ask for help practicing their words, but I really like to work by myself. I get to read when I finish my classwork. 

Spelling and Reading    

                Spelling words

building      construction    school

house           worker              library

factory         teacher             

library          apartment

Spelling and math done I can read!!

The library is full of hours of reading!

Math is sometimes hard for me.  I am pretty good at memorizing math facts, but it takes me a long time to finish story problems even though I am a good reader. I don't like to ask for help. But sometimes I have to! It kind of makes me mad.

Let's work 

together

Math

My school is next to a Preserve and there are lots of  shade trees next to the playground.    There are lots of quiet places to stay cool and read. Sometimes, a friend comes with me.

Recess

When you come down to it, I am really good in everything that I do in school . All my teachers like me because I listen, watch and follow directions. I don't interrupt the speaker,  and I don't argue with anyone. I keep my desk clean, and I am always ready with my assignments and homework.  I really feel that everyone should like me!

My School Behavior

 I walk a mile to school by myself, in the morning, then walk home at lunch time, walk back to school after lunch and walk home after school.  That means I have a lot of time to be by myself, kicking stones and acorns. I love to swish my shoes in the leaves gathered on the side walk. Sometimes I stomp on the acorns and then eat them. 

Walking to School

Besides reading and going to school, I like to listen to music. When I was in first grade, my parents decided it was time for me to take piano lessons.  I was SO EXCITED . They hired a teacher who was Latvian and I couldn't understand him so my mom had to sit with me during my lessons and help translate.        

my piano teacher

my mom who helped with translation

my seat

Piano Lessons

I would get up every morning before anyone else, and practice my scales for an hour.  My piano teacher said that I was his best student. I was so excited. I thought I was on my way to becoming a concert pianist.

I was positive that I was going to be famous and I would wear beautiful gowns and have my hair styled.  I was on my way to being a star.  MY DREAMWORLD?

Practicing for my Piano Lesson

Once in a while, my mom makes me invite Marci and Margaret over for an afternoon.  We share the books we are reading,  make up stories to tell each other and maybe we play a game like Parchessi.  I have a good time but I am happy when they leave. They make me feel tired.

Entertaining Friends

So far, I  seem like a normal person, right?  Well, some people might not agree.  When I hear other kids make comments behind my back, like the ones below, I get really mad. 

Nancy is-

.... shy  ... too quiet   ... boring -... not very friendly

  But before I go any further, let me tell you  about 

my  family. Then see what you think. Maybe THEY are 

the problem!

Why I Get Mad

I live with my mom, dad and older sister.   My sister is 10 years older than me.  My mom is a stay at home mom. She used to teach kindergarten.  My dad is a dentist and he likes to spend time outdoors in his boat.  I like to spend time at home.  I think we really are an ordinary family! 

Meet My Family

We live in a house on a corner. Lots of cars and buses go by everyday.  I often sit on the window seat in the living room that looks out onto the street.  I read or watch for my dad to come home on the bus from work each night. I often daydream about who else might be on the bus  with my dad. 

My House

                                         My Dad

My dad is always busy.  He is very smart and knows lots of interesting facts and is impatient when I don't learn something  new quickly. He likes to work outside and always asks me to  pick up the sticks in the yard before he mows the grass. We have a cottage on a lake and he loves to sail his sailboat and take us for rides in our speedboat. He tried to teach me how to sail, but I was too afraid  tipping the boat over.