Lost

By Karleen Tauszik

Jimmy’s hamster is gone–without a trace. He didn’t latch the cage properly, and the beloved pet escaped. Overcome with guilt and sadness, the nine-year-old also has the sinking feeling that perhaps Mom was right when she said a pet would be too great a responsibility for him. 

In a race against time and weather, Jimmy uses his vivid imagination and sound advice from the school nurse to try to lure the hamster back. His efforts help him cope, but will they work?

Perfect for reluctant readers, LOST is a contemporary story written in under 20,000 words. For ages 8 – 11.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karleen Tauszik
• Release date: Apr 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781533756237

Book preview

LOST

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By Karleen Tauszik

Table of Contents

Title Page

Lost

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Text Copyright © 2012 by Karleen Tauszik

Cover Photograph: BigstockPhoto.com 6321431

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All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

Summary: Nine year old Jimmy lost his pet hamster. In a race against time and weather, he tries to lure the hamster back to its cage.

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TO PARENTS: Visit author Karleen Tauszik on the web at KarleenT.com, where you can sign up to get her FREE book:

50 Simple Steps for Reading Success:

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Make Reading Exciting and Fun

Improve Reading Skills and Comprehension

Engage and Encourage Your Reluctant Reader.

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You’ll also get her newsletter with more tips, the latest news in the world of reading for children, and her latest releases and promos. My goal is to get your child to LOVE reading. Is that your goal too? If so, click the cover!

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For The Florida

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1

Jimmy’s loaded backpack made a thumping noise as he dragged it down the steps.

Mom called from the kitchen, Jimmy! Pick that up! I’ve told you a million times. It pulls the carpet loose!

Sighing, he stopped and pulled the heavy pack up onto his shoulders. I should stay home sick...but Mom would never buy it.

Jimmy?

I know! I heard you! I picked it up! he snapped.

Mom came out of the kitchen and stood at the foot of the stairs, blocking his path. She put her hand firmly on his shoulder. He knew he was stuck.

Young man, I know things aren’t going your way, but that’s no excuse to sass at me.

Yeah, I know. Sorry, he said, knowing Mom was right.

The annoyance in her eyes melted and her voice softened. Frank’s not back yet, is he? she asked.

Jimmy shook his head and took a deep breath, careful to keep from crying again. I have to keep my act together for school, he thought. But he was mad. Mad at himself for leaving the cage opened so his hamster could escape. Mad at his mother for being right when she said she didn’t think he was responsible enough for a pet. Mad at the world for going on like normal when he was so upset.

Jimmy’s chest was tight with the stress of waking up and seeing the cage, still empty.

Can I stay home? I don’t feel very good, he asked, supposing it was worth a shot.

No, honey. I’m sorry, but you’ll just be thinking about Frank all day. Besides, it’s just three days this week, then you’re off for Thanksgiving.

But with all the holiday stuff and movies and everything, I wouldn’t miss anything serious.

Mom shook her head. You need the distraction of school. If it’s any comfort, I’m not too happy either knowing a hamster is wandering around my house somewhere.

She tousled his hair and added, Dig out a hat and scarf from the closet. You’ll need them today.

But, Mom—

No ‘But Moms’. The wind chill’s in the twenties. They’re thinking it could snow for Thanksgiving.

As she returned to the kitchen, Jimmy heard the smooth voice of the TV meteorologist going on about dropping temperatures and low pressure fronts.

Mom called out, Gloves wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Yeah, right, Jimmy said to himself as he opened the closet. A large wicker hamper sat in the dark corner under the coats. It held the cold weather items that had been abandoned since last March. Pulling the lid off, Jimmy was hit with the thrift store smell of clothes left sitting and unused. Trying to hold his breath against the stale odor, he dug for the required hat and scarf.

When he finally found all the pieces to last year’s set­—the scarf, the hat, and even both gloves—Jimmy brought them out into the light of the front hall. But the bright red and royal blue stripes struck him as too little kid for a fourth grader.

Hey, Mom! Can I wear Dad’s Giants hat?

No. Dad’s not here to ask. Exactly the reply Jimmy expected. Mom had rules, and they were not to be broken.

Ask him tonight and maybe you can wear it tomorrow, Mom added.

Jimmy stood in the hall, considering his options. Red and blue stripes or...

He heard Mom turn the water on to fill the coffee maker, and in an instant the decision was made. Jimmy threw the items back in the closet, yelled, Bye, Mom! Gotta fly! and ran out the door. He sprinted until he was far enough around the curve in the cul-de-sac where Mom would not be able to see his bare head and hands.

Slowing down, Jimmy pulled his collar up. Mom was right. Again. The cold air enveloped him, and the strong wind bit at his cheeks. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and turned onto the boulevard. Looking down the street, two blocks away he could see Samir coming.

Samir shouted, Any luck?

No! Jimmy called back, shaking his head. Vapor rose over his head when his breath hit the cold air. He stomped his feet to try and stay warm while he waited for his friend to catch up.

Jimmy could see Samir’s grandmother had her way before he left. He had a woolen hat pulled down over his ears, his blonde curls fighting to escape. Plus he had a scarf tied tightly, holding his jacket collar snuggly against his