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ISBN 10: 0-15-351425-6ISBN 13: 978-0-15-351425-8

Ordering OptionsISBN 10: 0-15-351212-1 (Grade 2 Advanced Collection)ISBN 13: 978-0-15-351212-4 (Grade 2 Advanced Collection)ISBN 10: 0-15-358060-7 (package of 5)ISBN 13: 978-0-15-358060-4 (package of 5)

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by Kate Meadillustrated by Stephen Axelsen

Hunter’s Secret

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The students at Featherston School were holding a talent show to raise money for the school library.

“I’m going to do a magic trick,” announced Marvin right away.

Hunter looked glum. He didn’t know any magic tricks.

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All the children were excited, except Hunter. Everyone but Hunter had thought of something to do for the talent show, so they all tried to help him.

“I’ll give you dancing lessons, and then you can dance with me,” said Anna.

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During Hunter’s dance classes, Anna moved around as carefree as a butterf ly. Hunter stomped behind her with heavy steps. His feet did not bounce up and down like Anna’s when he danced. Hunter decided not to dance with Anna at the talent show.

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“Try singing with me,” suggested Alex. Hunter tried singing, but when he

tried to reach the high notes, he sounded like a screeching bird. He decided not to sing at the talent show.

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Over the weekend, Hunter discussed the show with his mom. “I don’t know what to do for the talent show,” he said gloomily. “I can’t sing or dance or do anything else.”

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“Yes, you can,” his mom said as she sipped her coffee. “Everyone is good at something. You just need to find out what you’re good at doing,” she said.

Hunter thought carefully about what his mom had said. After a few minutes, an idea for the talent show had already popped into his head.

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On the night of the talent show, Anna was the first to perform. Some dancers came next, followed by a song from Alex.

The people in the audience clapped for each performance. They also stomped and cheered to show their support.

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Last to perform was Hunter. He walked onto the stage with a large book in one hand and a wooden stool in the other. The lights on the stage went down, and a spotlight beamed down on him.

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Hunter sat on the stool, opened the large book, and started to read aloud.Everyone listened carefully to Hunter. Sometimes they laughed, and sometimes they sat in silence.

When Hunter finished, he shut his book, picked up his stool, and left the stage. Everyone stood and clapped for a long time.

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After Hunter’s performance, the children gathered round Hunter backstage.

“You kept that a secret,” laughed Anna.

“You were fantastic!’ said Alex.

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“We all have different things we can do,” said Hunter. “I’m glad I am good at storytelling.”

They all agreed that he was.

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