The Assignment: The Jungle - Chapter 2

There was nothing more exiting than handing out books. Mr. Horton sat at the front of his class, holding up a copy of The Jungle, watching his students whisper to one another.

“Class,” he shouted over their voices, “Class, quiet while I pass out the books. Now, you will be expected to read at least fifty pages a week.”

There was a collective groan, which made Mr. Horton smile.

“It's not that bad. Today is Friday, so you'll have exactly seven days. That's less than ten pages a day. Adam, come get your book.”

Mr. Horton handed one of the books to the boy, then proceeded to call the other students up alphabetically.

At some point he noticed two girls whispering to each other.

“April and Eliza,” he warned, “Please be quiet. Brian, get your books.”

Finally he gave every student that was present a book. He went back to his desk, where he kept himself occupied with Fantasy Football.

“Be silent, please, as you read…Luke, remind me to give Jade a book when she gets back, okay?”