8 MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN But it was also Nora who helped me finally understand Mom's advice Because in this story all that really matters is the day Nora ate the sun That day changed everything I thought I knew about anything So it's probably best for you to try what my mom says I'll tell the story and you pay attention and see if you can think about what some people might have in their backpack Because I certainly wasn't and I wish I would have from the start
CHAPTER 1 UNDERWEAR It was the end of sixth grade and summer had finally arrived Usually I would have a list of the things I planned to do to make the summer better than the last one However after last year anything could be better You see last year I spent all my time worrying about the Curse After breaking my neighbor Jenna's collarbone it was an accident I promise the Curse a hometown legend that haunts a kid who does something bad followed me around all year making life absolutely miserable I got trampled trampled by a llama I crashed my snowboard and I even fainted in a waterslide And each time it was the same result A broken toe But I solved it with the help of my friends and we were able to break the Curse before it caused any more damage Now I am really just happy to walk around without the fear of being chased down by grumpy poop-stained cows
10 MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN So as you can imagine what I wanted this summer was to just sit and relax No broken toes No Curse No responsibilities But of course life throws curveballs It all started on a Friday at lunchtime where I was lying in the same spot I was four hours ago on the sofa with my foot hanging off the side the only way to lie on a couch in my opinion But before I could get in another few hours of dedicated video game time Dad walked in Hey buddy Happy first day of summer vacation he said You gearing up for a summer of broken toes Ha ha ha I said sarcastically Let's not even joke about that I gave him a few kicks as he tried to sit down but he grabbed my feet and lightly smooshed them together like golf clubs in a bag Why are dads always so strong I can't wait till I get my dad strength someday
UNDERWEAR 11 You know I'm kidding he said as he pushed my feet to the side and sat down Plus you'll be too busy to worry about your toes anyways Why What do you mean I asked It was obvious Dad had a plan for me He was doing the thing he always does when he knows something my brother and I don't He starts with a bad joke and a smirk and then says something that will most likely disappoint me Well Dad hesitated as the predicted smirk came across his face Remember a couple weeks ago We talked about you getting a job earlier in the summer I squished my face together into a tight ball to try to remember Was I playing video games when you said that Yeah I think you were Dad replied I relaxed my face Then I definitely don't remember I said All parents should know by now that having a conversation conversation with their kid while they play video games is pretty worthless I can barely remember to change my underwear each day and that's with no distractions You must've known this was coming Dad lectured You get a summer job every year Remember doing yard work for Mr. Parcy I always get a summer job at the end of June I corrected Dad And it's early June now What's the rush You're going into seventh grade Matt You're older now It's time to add some more hard honest work
