Allison Library

"I don't even like this. I'm just finishing it." — Tristan G.

CEDAR HOLLOW JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Eighth-grader Tristan entered the Creekview Middle School media center at approximately 10:15 a.m. Wednesday with both hands in his hoodie pockets and informed Mrs. Delacroix, the school librarian, that he "doesn't really read" and was "just here because Mr. Bauer said I had to pick something." Mrs. Delacroix, a 19-year media specialist who sources say has not failed to match a reluctant reader since 2011, asked Tristan exactly two questions — "Do you play video games?" and "Do you like it when things go wrong?" — before disappearing into the graphic novel section for approximately nine seconds and returning with a single book.

Tristan reportedly looked at the cover, said "I guess," and sat down at the nearest table to flip through the first few pages. He did not stand up for 45 minutes. His English teacher, Mr. Bauer, told sources that Tristan returned to fourth period "visibly agitated" that the class bell had rung and asked — for the first time in the academic year — if there was a way to get extra library time. "He told me the book was 'fine' and that he 'didn't care about it,' and then asked me three times if there was a sequel," Mr. Bauer confirmed.

Mrs. Delacroix, who has declined to explain her methodology, was seen placing two additional titles on hold under Tristan's name before he had left the building.

We had a fun day learning about animal adaptations with Ms. Smyth from Wildlife Association.