Slugfest

Sarah Fidelio is the girl who was accused of kicking the dog. In reality, her brother lied to get her back for the latest in their long line of pranks on each other. Mrs. Finnerty understands what Sarah is going through with her brother, which Sarah appreciates. To help the teacher out, she decides to join the investigative journalism class to make sure that Mrs. Finnerty doesn’t get fired. The next few weeks are abuzz with preparations for the open house. The investigative journalism class will post the headlines for their stories. Arabella argues that she’s ready to break her story, but the teacher refuses to let her.

Since Slugfest doesn’t have anything to present, Mrs. Finnerty will have the kids run an obstacle course in front of everyone, which will end with them doing the chicken dance. The kids complain until Mrs. Finnerty brings out a tray of her delicious banana poppers. As Arabella crams one in her mouth, she tells everyone that they won’t have to put up with Mrs. Finnerty for much longer. Sarah is amazed at the hypocrisy, thinking that Arabella “has no problem with enjoying the benefits while scheming against the person who delivered them” (118).