Chapter 1 Josie CLAAANG I sprang to my feet at the sound of the dismissal bell and raced out of the classroom before the ringing stopped My grandmother Grande Louise had asked me to be home on time Not under or over On time Right after school mumzelle Grande Louise had stressed through pursed lips Whenever she used the sassy French word for missy I knew 1
she meant business I’d heard peculiar words sayings and stories from my grandmother for the better part of my eleven years Grande Louise was from the Mother Isles a cluster of tropical islands off the mainland and she kept her traditions alive This was Tropiville after all Every islander who settled here brought their culture with them As I darted to my locker I passed bright splashy posters in the hallway The posters announced auditions for my favorite Tropiville tradition the Islanders Day Karnival Karnival was a huge celebration where top bands played and squads 2
of dancers dressed in masquerade costumes leapt and spun through the streets Tropiville kids were allowed to perform at Karnival but they had to audition first My dance audition was the next day although my parents wanted me to try out as a musician instead But I was a dancer And the audition was my chance to prove it I even planned to wear a special costume during my tryout Grande Louise would help me make it if I was home on time As the other sixth graders from my class reached their lockers I slammed mine shut and headed for 3
