by David Aro
Mayor Stevens walked over to the All-Stars and Golden Roots Prep teams. They sat together at the side of the court. “It’s because of what you did that I changed my mind.”
The players all stood. Mayor Stevens shook their hands one by one. The crowd watched. Then Mayor Stevens looked back at the camera.
“I can’t make any promises,” he said. “But I don’t think turning this park into a parking lot is the right thing to do. It’s too important to everyone. I didn’t see it before.”
Everyone in the crowd rose to their feet. Parents lifted their kids on their shoulders for a better look. Chuck and Hank stood on a bench.
“I plan to voice your thoughts at the park meeting next week. And hopefully I can put a stop to the parking lot project. Instead, I will say that we should use the tax dollars to bring this park back to its old glory.”
Everyone cheered.
Tyler, Cam, and Markus high-fived. Jasmine and Brianna hugged. Then all five of them huddled together.
“We did it!” said Jasmine.
The All-Stars opened their arms to let the Golden Roots Prep team into their huddle.
“We all did it!” said Tyler.
“And there you have it,” said Valerie Hart into the camera. “No matter how small you are, every voice can make a difference.”
CHAPTER ONE
SUMMER
VACATION
It was the All-Stars’ most important practice of the year.
Tyler waited by the basketball hoop at the park. He had news to tell his team.
He spun with his hand on the pole. He drew out new plays on the court with a rock. He shot around.
He made five shots in a row from the dotted line. He backed up a step. Made five more. He moved to the free-throw line. Then looked toward the park entrance.
The summer sun shone down on the small trees along the path. The mayor had asked the All-Stars to plant them. He’d said they saved the park.
Tyler missed his next two shots. He sat on the ball. And he waited some more.
The shadows of the trees danced on the ground. And finally, four other shadows showed up. The All-Stars.
Tyler ran to his team. “What took you guys so long?”
“Sorry we’re late,” said Cam.
“Yeah,” said Brianna. “Sleeping Beauty over here slept in.” She threw grass at Markus.
Markus shook it from his messy hair. “What do you expect? It’s the first day of summer vacation.”
They walked toward the court. Tyler dribbled the ball.
“I have it all planned out,” he said. “We have three weeks. We can meet here every morning. Spend all day practicing for…” Tyler held his breath.
“What is it, already?” asked Markus.
“I-signed-us-up-for-a-tournament-at-the-Rec-Center,” said Tyler. As if it was all one word.
“A tournament?” asked Markus. “Do you really think we’re ready?”
Brianna stopped laughing. She looked away from Markus. He pulled the last pieces of grass from his hair. Cam started biting his nails. Jasmine stopped walking. She fell behind the rest of the group.
“After all we’ve been through,” said Tyler. “Of course! And now we don’t have school or anything else to get in the way of our practice time. It’s perfect!”
Tyler passed the ball to Cam. Cam caught it before it hit him in the chest.
“About that,” said Jasmine softly. But she was too far back to be heard over Tyler.
“I’ve made some new plays,” said Tyler. “And I think I found someone who can make us team shirts.”
“About that,” said Jasmine, louder. She walked up to the group.
“I’m sorry,” said Tyler. “I couldn’t sleep last night. I couldn’t wait to tell you guys.”
“I don’t know how to say this,” said Jasmine. Her voice grew quiet.
Tyler paused. Everyone’s attention shifted to her.
“What’s wrong?” asked Cam.
“I’m not going to be able to practice with you guys,” said Jasmine. “I have to go and live with my dad for the summer.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Aro is a former Collegiate All-American basketball player and conference player of the year. In college, he scored over 1,900 points, broke his school’s record for the most three-pointers ever made, and also finished in the top 10 in rebounds, steals, and assists. While coaching college basketball, he earned a master’s degree in executive leadership and change. Today, he coaches his kids and follows his passion of writing children’s books. You can visit him online at www.davidaro.com.
