Better Than Weird (19 page)

Aaron turned. “That joke is so old it's dead,” he said. To his surprise, Tufan looked embarrassed.

When Mrs. Evans told them the poem was written by a Canadian named Robert Service, Aaron's hand shot up. “My dad told me about him. He used to live in Dawson. That's where my dad lives too. In Dawson. And Sophie and baby Fran. And this summer we're going to visit them. Me and my gran.”

“People will head for the hills when they hear you're coming,” Tufan said.

“Nope. Not gonna happen,” Aaron said. “Those people up there are really nice. I talked to them already. On the webcam. My dad introduced me to lots of them.”

Mrs. Evans placed her hand on Aaron's shoulder. “I'll make you a deal, Aaron,” she said. “Why don't
I
read the poem and
you
listen. And when I'm done,
you
can tell us a little more about Dawson and
we'll
listen.”

“Okay,” Aaron said, and Mrs. Evans began:

There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was the night on the marge of Lake Lebarge
I cremated Sam McGee.

In no time, Aaron found himself lost in the words that told of the north. The world where stars danced heel and toe across the night sky. The world his father, and Sophie, and baby Fran called home
. I can't wait.
I can't wait,
he thought. Then he stopped, realizing what he was thinking. He straightened. Lifted his head.
Yes,
I can
, he told himself.
I can. I can. Aaron Can Wait.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Nothing I've ever accomplished has happened without help.

So, to Richard Unger, who said, “Write a sequel,” thereby planting the seed.

To Peter Carver and the writers in his class, who shared their wisdom.

To the gifted women in my writing group: Carolyn Beck, Anne Laurel Carter, Kristyn Dunnion and Cheryl Rainfield, who read, reread and shared invaluable insights.

To the staff and students at Agnes Macphail Public School, who have helped launch my books and made thoughtful suggestions. (With special thanks to Andrew Li, who pointed out the need for laughter, and Dita Irawan, who suggested I might want to “consider Aaron's perspective.”)

To June Brown, Goldie Spencer and Connie Hubbarde, who listened.

To Cathy Comisky, who shared the discoveries on the Gold Rush Trail.

To Peter Kerz, who brought home the frogs and toads that led to the great worm escape.

To Susanne Farrow, who shares her love of music with students of all abilities and only smiles happy smiles.

To my editor, Sarah Harvey, who guides with a gentle hand, and to all the people at Orca Book Publishers who have labored to produce this book.

THANK YOU!

ANNA KERZ
's first book,
The Mealworm Diaries
, was shortlisted for many awards, including a Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award. Anna is also the author of
The Gnome's Eye
, a story loosely based on her experiences as an immigrant child. When she's not writing, Anna is collecting and telling stories to audiences of all ages. She lives in Scarborough, Ontario, with her husband, Frank, and their dog, Bailey.