“All of that aside, though, it was good to hear you sing last night,” he says. “I was wondering why you haven’t done any theater yet.”

Oh. Ohhhh. Is this what he wanted to talk about? “I used to do the musicals at my middle school,” I say. “But I switched to choir once I started high school.”

He lights up. “I knew it! You’ve got stage presence.”

That is a blatant lie. Ms. Mooney is always telling me to stop looking pained whenever I feel like people are watching me. Which is, you know, what audiences do.

“This year I wanted to branch out a bit from our usual fare when I was picking a musical, and I think you would be perfect for the show!” he continues. “We’re doing Bronxtown Brooms.”

I don’t know what that is, but I’ll look it up it as soon as I leave the room. “That sounds cool,” I say, pasting on a smile.

“I wanted to personally ask you to audition,” he says, dropping his voice into a more serious tone. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I know you would be incredible as one of the leads, and it would look really good on your Brockton Scholarship application.” He stares at me meaningfully for a moment.

What? I swallow hard, meeting his stare. Is he saying what I think he’s saying? Oh my god. I’ve made it. Except . . . this is also kind of icky.

“The committee loves seeing candidates that are willing to jump into activities here at T. K. Anderson,” he continues, suddenly affecting such a light tone that it’s like the previous moment didn’t happen. He smiles. “So I hope you’ll come audition on Monday. I would love to have you.”

“Yeah, um,” I say, grasping for something coherent. “I’ll definitely think about it.”

“Cool,” he says. “I’m glad. I need more students like you.”

Still not sure if “like you” is code for “Black,” but I don’t think he’s going to say that outright anytime soon. It’s time for me to get out of here. “Okay, Mr. B, I’m going to go to class.” I’m already inching toward the door.

“Great,” he says, beaming a megawatt smile at me. “See you soon.”

Chapter 5

Analyze similarities and differences in the revolutionary roots of the following national slogans.

Liberté, égalité, fraternité

(The national motto of the French Empire)

Hard work, magical power, educational excellence

(The American Magical Way)

—AP World History exam sample question