“Can I talk to you for a minute, please, Brianna?” It was Sara. I got up, almost tripping over my toga, and followed her into the hall. She drew a deep breath.
She said, “I just wanted to say I’m really happy for you. You know, how everything worked out today. You were amazing.”
I said, “Thank you.”
It felt so awkward. How was it that someone I’d spent so much of my life with, all of a sudden felt like a stranger to me?
She said, “Look, I’m really, really, REALLY sorry about what happened at the Capitol. And in the hallway earlier. I just think… well, Becks…”
I shrugged, stopping her. “Look, don’t worry about it. I’m sorry, too. You guys have a right to try to figure out whatever you need to figure out. I… I hope everything works out. For both of you.”
She smiled.
I smiled back.
She said, “I think when Becks is with you, it just makes her feel like that same little dorky kid she was back in elementary.”
My chest felt tight. Our times in elementary school were some of the best memories of my life.
I took a deep breath and said, “I understand.” I didn’t, but I wanted to.
We hugged, and Sara said, “We’re still friends, though, right, Bree-Bree?”
“Always,” I said. “But maybe you could just call me Brianna from now on?” I winked.
Then I watched her as she walked down the long narrow hallway, moving farther and farther away, until she simply vanished. Like she’d never been there at all.
Civics Journal
Ancient Rome and Middle School
Back in ancient Rome the best speakers were the ones who gained the most popularity.
It’s, like, imagine if they had YouTube back then. The senators with the hypest channels or videos would have gotten the most play.
In other words, you had to have some serious game. Be able to talk about stuff and make it happen.
The Forum was where it all went down. It was a big open-air market where all sorts of people gathered, the rich mingling with the poor. Plebeians gathering to hear and be heard.
I had found my forum. And now I knew what being a good speaker was really all about.
Epilogue
Thursday, December 25
We had opened our Christmas presents and were sitting around eating chocolate chip cookies. Chef Quimby sent me his recipe and I totally rocked it. Dad was replaying part of the video he’d recorded of us opening our gifts, when the house phone rang.
Mom spoke into it for a few seconds, then said, “Brianna, it’s for you!”
It was Senator Wilson-Hayes. “Well, Merry Christmas, Brianna Justice!”
It was the third time we’d spoken since her record-setting filibuster. She called right after we left D.C. to thank us all for our service. Then, in a news conference, she named Lauren Parker as being among the talented young people to help her set a new record. (I’d asked her to use Lauren’s name to represent our group. Lauren had grinned for a week!)
“I know we talked briefly about it last time, but I just wanted to tell you once again that we are looking forward to having you help us when we come to Michigan next month,” she said.
Since her filibuster, she’d started working with a group that held camps and workshops specifically targeting girls. The purpose was to expose more girls to science and technology. Lauren and I were going to help with the upcoming workshop, “Tech City Girls,” being held at Wayne State University downtown.
“Well, I’ll see you next month. In the meantime, there’s someone else here who wants to say hello.”
“Hey,” Neptune said. I could hear his smile through the phone.
I grinned. “Hey.”
We’d texted a lot since D.C. He had been practicing a ton for the swim team. I told him about Executive, Jr. magazine featuring me in their online edition.
“Has it been easier to stay organized, now that you’ve come into the twenty-first century and ditched the clipboard?” he asked.
I said, “Don’t go dissing my clipboard. But I’ve gotta admit, going digital isn’t so bad.”
“Change can be good,” he said.
“Even when it feels scary,” I answered.
We both paused, letting the silence fill in around us. Not uncomfortable, just, you know? Chill. Then he said, “Hey, the lemon cupcakes were amazing. Quimby served your recipe at the holiday reception here.”
“He used my recipe? At the White House?”
“Duh!”
We both laughed. Mom came over, tapping on her watch. I told Neptune I needed to bounce.
“My friend Red that I told you about? She’s dancing in the Nutcracker today. We’re about to head over.”
Again, I could just feel his smile.
“Now that’s legit.”
It was legit, indeed!
I hung up and scooped little Angel into my arms. She purred and I did my best ballet twirl across the floor. Only a week ’til New Year’s Day. After everything that had happened over the past few months, for once I was more focused on what was ahead rather than what used to be. It felt good.
Angel cat licked at the crumbs on my pj’s. She was looking forward to the future, too. As I cuddled her into me and ran up the stairs to get ready, my mind was busy.
What was next?
More baking?
More public speaking?
Maybe more stories in the school paper.
I pushed open my bedroom door. The cat leaped onto my bed, and my old clipboard tumbled to the floor. I picked it up and decided my future may not need more of anything, just less worrying about what was next.
Time to get dressed and see what would happen next.
Hmm… maybe I’d jot some things on the calendar on my new iPad. You know, just in case.
A+ Well thought outgood job! from Mr. G.
Brianna Justice
The Twelve Laws of Middle School
No. 1—Everybody needs to be included. Nobody likes to feel left out.
No. 2—No one cares how cool you were last year or whatever. Focus on what you’re going to do next instead of trying to build a rep on who you used to be.
No. 3—“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” I got that quote from a local radio DJ who said he heard civil rights legend Malcolm X use it. I think where middle school is concerned, it is definitely true. In the spirit of Spartacus, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or what you believe in. Even when doing so isn’t easy. And don’t be afraid to stand behind your beliefs, even if it means standing alone.
No. 4—Instead of feeling sorry for yourself and sitting around doing nothing, go out and do something for someone else.
No. 5—Think before you act. Being too impulsive can be costly, especially when you have something to lose.
No. 6—When you plan something with your friends, make sure everybody is on the same page. Don’t assume they want the same thing you want.
No. 7—Always represent. When you’re on a school trip, make sure people see you at your best. Senatus Populusque Romanus—SPQR—was the ancient Romans’ way of working their brand, sending a positive message. So work your brand, and represent your school colors with class.
No. 8—Sometimes grown-ups really do have some good advice. Don’t be afraid to ask people you respect to offer tips or guidelines about your situation. You might learn something, and being asked for help makes grown-ups feel all tingly inside.
No. 9—Absolutely remember to ask other kids for help. Don’t ask people to take risks that you wouldn’t take, but tell them that if you take the risk together, you can support one another.
No. 10—There is strength in numbers. If you have a cause worth fighting for, gather your troops and put your plan into action.
No. 11—Coming up with the perfect made-for-TV thing to say might sound cool, but when it matters, speak from your heart. People will appreciate your honesty.
No. 12—Let
yourself believe in magic, at least a little. Really cool things can happen when you believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream, to hope, to believe.
Dear Chef Quimby,
A deal is a deal. Here are three of my favorite recipes. I hope you like them. I think the lemon is my favorite. Share it with Neptune, please. I mean, if you want to. It was great meeting you. Hope to see you again soon.
Brianna Justice
P.S. You don’t have to follow all my instructions. I did that for beginners.
The Perfect
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Cupcakes
Makes 18–24
4 medium peeled apples
2 eggs (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk
½ cup to 1 cup chopped pecans
Caramel Glaze*
½ cup honey
½ cup or 1 stick Land O’Lakes butter (best butter EVER for baking)
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 can condensed milk
First, prepare your cupcake baking tins for 12 cupcakes. Spray with cooking spray. Be sure to spray the sides and the top or spray the top of the pan and slide cupcake liners into pan.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grate apples into a bowl. Combine eggs and butter; beat with grated apples for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add sugars and mix for another 30 seconds. Add vanilla extract.
In separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a large mixing spoon. In between scoops of dry mixture, add milk. Once mixture is completely blended, inhale that awesome aroma. Love that! Okay, now it’s time to scoop the batter into the cupcake tins.
Once each tin is full, top with pecans and bake for 18 to 21 minutes. Halfway through, check to make sure cupcakes are baking evenly. Bake until golden and toothpick can be inserted and removed dry.
*If you can, prepare your caramel glaze before you bake your cupcakes, so you’re not too rushed and it has time to cool. (You can store it in a glass jar—just make sure to spray the inside with cooking spray first.).
Now this is so important: You must get a grown-up to help with this next step. The glaze will get sticky and hot. Trust me! You do NOT want to get this on your skin while it’s hot.
In a saucepan, combine honey, butter, and sugar. Over a low flame, have a grown-up stir the ingredients until mixture comes to a rolling boil. What is a “rolling boil”? That’s just another way of saying, like, when those little bubbles start to appear because the mixture is getting hot, but hasn’t started to completely boil. Anyway, when it begins its rolling boil, add the milk and continue to stir. Keep stirring until the honey and buttery sugar mixture are an even, milky shade of brown.
When your cupcakes are ready, crisscross them with the caramel glaze. If you want an extra-yummy experience, top with either a cream cheese or chocolate frosting.
Oh, man!
The Ultimate
Chocolate Frosting!
1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia cream cheese (you can use other brands, but I like this one!)
1 stick Land O’Lakes butter (again, my fave!)
½ cup mini Nestle’s chocolate morsels
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk
Okay, here’s the deal. How to make the best frosting ever:
Start by letting your cream cheese and butter soften. DO NOT MELT. Just leave them on the counter in your kitchen for about an hour before use.
Place the cream cheese in a bowl and use a mixer to cream the cream cheese. I know that sounds funny, cream the cream cheese. But you’ve gotta do it. Beat it with the mixer for about 30 seconds.
Now add the butter. Blend the two for at least a minute. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate morsels. Here’s something else that sounds funny. You have to sweat the morsels. Weird, right? All that means is you need to add a few drops of water and place in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
Add the molten chocolate to the creamed mixture. Blend for 15 to 30 seconds.
Now it gets fun. Start adding confectioners’ sugar and cocoa. Add a little of each at a time. Mixture will start to become thick.
Add the vanilla extract and the milk. Blend until all ingredients are smooth.
It’s time for tasting.
Mmm-mmm good!
Lemon with
Love!
Okay, so lemon may not come to mind when you think of the holidays, but my new friend Toya told me she looooooves lemon. So of course, you know me, I had to hook the girl up. After a couple of tries, I came up with the perfect simple recipe for lemony goodness.
Cupcakes
zest from 3 medium-size lemons, divided
1 box Duncan Hines lemon cake mix (or another lemon cake mix is fine)
½ cup lemon juice, divided
3 eggs
¾ cup water
¾ cup vegetable oil
Frosting
½ cup butter (room temperature)
1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia cream cheese (room temperature)
½ teaspoon lemon extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
⅛ cup milk
First, start with the cake mix. Follow the instructions on the back of the box, using the eggs, water, and oil. However, ONLY USE 3/4 cup water, not a whole cup, as most packages call for. You will be adding lemon juice, so you have to reduce the amount of water so the mixture won’t get too soupy. Add the vanilla extract, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup lemon zest. Lemon zest is what they call it when you take, like, a cheese grater and rub it along the skin of a lemon. Take the pulpy lemon that comes off the skin and drop into the batter. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me, it works.
Now your kitchen oughta smell all lemony and bright. Scoop batter into cupcake tins. (You should have already placed liner cups in the pan or sprayed with cooking oil to avoid sticking.) Bake according to package.
Meanwhile…
This frosting is so good.
Place the cream cheese in a bowl. Use an electric mixture to cream the cheese. Get it nice and mushy. Now add the butter. Cream the two together for two minutes.
Add 1/4 cup lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and the lemon extract.
Now add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, blending between cups. Alternate drops of milk with the sugar to keep sugar from clumping. Mix until smooth. Chill until ready to frost cupcakes.
Yum!
Acknowledgments
I would like to dedicate this novel to my sisters, Jennifer and Janice, whose unending support has upheld me throughout the years. To my daughters, Lauren and Kenya, who make me laugh when I don’t want to, and hold my hand when I need them most.
Also, I would like to thank Kathleen Vokes, assistant to my agent George Nicholson, at Sterling Lord Literistic. For your energy and patience, thank you so much.
And lastly, to my newest editor at Little, Brown, Allison Moore: I cannot express my gratitude for how you’ve guided me. I think we work well together and can’t wait for our next project. Sincerely, Allison, it’s been great working with you.
For more great reads and free samplers, visit
LBYRDigitalDeals.com
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Welcome
Chapter 1: How It All Began…
Chapter 2: The Ides of March
Chapter 3: Pandora’s Box
Chapter 4: The Republic of Rome
Ch
apter 5: Don’t Rest on Your Laurels
Chapter 6: Spartacus
Chapter 7: Pantomime
Chapter 8: Furies
Chapter 9: Hail Caesar? Hail No!
Chapter 10: The Baths
Chapter 11: Roman Holiday
Chapter 12: Pompeii
Chapter 13: Horatius at the Bridge
Chapter 14: SPQR
Chapter 15: Grand Pantheon
Chapter 16: The Palace
Chapter 17: Neptune
Chapter 18: Gladiators
Chapter 19: The Roman Legion
Chapter 20: The Forum
Epilogue
Brianna’s Twelve Laws of Middle School
Acknowledgments
Copyright
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 by Sherri Winston
Cover image © Erwin Madrid
Cover design by Marcie Lawrence
Cover © 2015 Hachette Book Group, Inc.
All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher at [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.
President of the Whole Sixth Grade Page 17