Raccoons and Red D's

The moment the teacher said, “Clear your desks,” Max knew he was in danger.

Tests were never good news—especially when they came back face-down. When he flipped

his over, a giant red D stared at him like it was judging his entire existence.

Max sighed so dramatically the kid next to him thought someone had died. On the walk home,

Max tripped over something soft. A raccoon popped out of his backpack, stole his granola

bar, and hissed like it paid rent there. Max froze. The raccoon froze.

They locked eyes. Finally, the raccoon waddled away, dropping the granola

bar in defeat. Max picked it up, brushed it off, and shrugged. “Honestly,” he said,