Michael                                                                          20% of story

Stage 3 - Transitional Reader

Hi! I am Michael and I am 12 years old. I’m good at school but I’m even better at playing video games. I also like to watch TV every day.  I have a lot of cool friends, and my best friend is Mario. He always makes me laugh!

Kara                                                                8% of story

Stage 3 - Transitional Reader

Hi! I’m Kara and I am 13 years old. I am from Korea, but I have lived in America since I was one year old. I practice Taekwondo, like all my family does. I am really good at school. Meditating helps me focus on doing well;  that’s why I do it every day, no matter where I am!

Mario                                                                      9% of story

Stage 4 - Intermediate Reader

Ciao! My name is Mario and I am 12 years old. I am from Italy and I just moved to America two years ago. Luckily I studied English in my Italian school since I was in second grade, so I can speak and understand it very well. I love playing soccer, and my favorite team is A.C. Milan.  My favorite food is pizza, but I miss the pizza I used to eat in Italy!

Carmen                                                                     11% of story

Stage 4 - Intermediate Reader

Hola! I’m Carmen and I am 12 years old. I was born in America, but my parents are both from Spain.  That’s why I can speak Spanish and dance Flamenco, a traditional Spanish dance. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends. My best friend is Kara.

Karim                                                                     11% of story

Stage 5 - Advanced Reader

Hi! I’m Karim and I’m 12 years old. I was born in Mombasa, a city in Kenya, an African country on the Indian Ocean. I used to live in a little village with a really big family. We often danced to tribal music and sang together. Five years ago, my family and I had to move to America for my father's job. Things are very different for me here, but I still like to run miles and miles like I did in Mombasa.

Narrator                                                                      38% of story

Stage 5 - Advanced Reader

As the narrator, I am the master storyteller! It's up to me to keep the story alive and interesting with each exciting detail. So, I must read everything with expression and excitement!