The Adventures of Ann and Deena

By Valorie Riley

The Ann and Deena Omnibus is finally here!

 

The Camping Trip

"I got a call from the school today. They want to test Anne." Deena heard her mother say to her father.

"Test her for what?"

"They think she has a learning disability."

"What? Why would they think that?"

"Well, her test scores and teacher observations, they want to test her right before school starts."

"Really?" Their father replied, concerned.

 

Testing Day

Anne perked up, thinking she was going to get to do something fun that her sister did not get to do. She began to smile a little. Her mind raced through different things like going to the fun park or maybe the zoo.

Her father broke into her fun imaginings, "Yeah, uh, the school called right before we went on our camping trip, they wanted to, well your teacher noticed that you were having trouble with some of your schoolwork, and we all agreed that you should get tested."

 

Best Friends Forever

Anne couldn't believe that someone as cool as Marley had wanted to eat lunch with her, share her food, and talk to her. Anne did her best not to say weird things—at least, she hoped she did.

When lunch was over, Anne and Marley walked back to class with the other students in their class only. They stayed at the back of the line. Marley continued to whisper funny things to Anne, and Anne tried desperately not to laugh. Mr. McNeil looked at the back of the line, but both girls managed to look serious just as he looked at them.

Anne is starting on a new journey through 3rd grade. Join her and her family as they navigate through her learning disability and newfound friendships. Follow along with Anne and her sister, Deena, as they grow.

For the first time, read all three books together with a unique Christmas short story!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valorie Riley
• Release date: Mar 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224228034

Valorie Riley

Valorie Riley, writer, creator, fur-mom, and taco aficionado. She is a full-time writer in Florida. She started her writing career after earning her Master's Degree in reading education and has retired from teaching. Her debut elementary book was The Camping Trip. When she's not writing, Valorie spends time teaching, reading, and dreaming up new ways to be creative.  5 Secrets About Valorie: I have an 8-year-old Chi-wee named Trixie. I am obsessed with Legos, and I have a serious office supply addiction; I love markers, stickers, and journals. I also love tacos, and my favorite movie is Star Wars.

Book preview

The Camping Trip

Anne was super excited; today was the day they were leaving for their big family vacation. She couldn't wait, even though she knew she would sleep in the truck the whole way there and not see any cool roadside stuff.

Two days before the trip, Anne's mother had asked her to pick out the clothes she wanted to wear so her mother could pack her suitcase. Anne told her mother that since she was nine, she was old enough to pack her own suitcase. Anne's mother thought about it, You're right, Anne, go ahead and pack your suitcase,

Then Anne's mother added, You know what, though? She said, thoughtfully laying a gentle hand on Anne's shoulder. Why don't you lay everything out on the bed so we can make sure you have everything you need to bring before you pack it neatly in your suitcase. Anne looked at her mother in that Oh-my-gosh-mom-I'm-a-big-kid-not-a-baby-anymore way.

Anne wanted to sass her mother but thought better of it; she had seen what sassing got her older sister.

Ok, was all Anne replied.

Great! Don't forget you need six changes of clothes, that includes socks and underwear! Anne sighed in that annoyed-with-adults-way.

Oh, Mom! I know that!

Ann's mother brushed the hair back off Anne's face.

Ok, baby girl....

I'm not a baby! Anne said automatically.

I know, I know. No more babies in this house! Anne's mother said and sounded a little sad. Anne didn't understand why, though because she thought babies were a huge pain in the butt.

Anne's mother left Ann's room and went downstairs. Anne went to her dresser and began to rummage through her underclothes. She pulled out several articles of clothing, a handful of socks, and underwear, then dumped them on the bed in a pile.

Anne went back to the dresser, shoved the top drawer closed, and opened the next drawer; she looked at her sleep shirts and thought, why can't I wear the same one every night? She pulled out her favorite Space EXP sleep shirt and decided to pack it instead of wearing it that night. That's all I need to sleep. She tossed it on the bed.

Anne thought about what she would like to wear. She thought about what she wore last year and then remembered the rocks she had found camping last year. Anne wanted to look at them and began rummaging through her collection box.

While Anne was lost in her own world looking at her collections, time slid by, and an hour had passed. Unfortunately, this sort of thing happened to Anne a lot. She daydreamed in class and got sidetracked, often causing her to be teased by the kids in her class.

Mom says... Oh my gosh! Your room is a mess! You are going to be in so much trouble, Anne! Anne's older sister had come up the stairs to tell Ann to come to dinner. Anne looked up from her box of treasures in a daze. Huh? Anne was confused, having completely forgotten about packing.

Um... what are you doing anyway? I thought you were supposed to be picking out your clothes so mom can pack them? Ann's sister Deena was concerned. She was eleven and quite responsible for a preteen.

Oh, yeah! I am... I'm uh... taking a break! Ann was not very good at lying.

Girls! Dinner! Their mother called from the bottom of the stairs. Ok! Both girls called back in unison.

Come on, Deena said with authority. Close your door so no one can see this mess; I'll help you after dinner. Anne felt defeated. She felt stupid. Why can't she just be normal and do things right? She followed her sister, shutting the door behind her, and went down to eat dinner.

Both girls quietly went upstairs that night after dinner. Deena shut Anne's door quietly. Ok, you fold these clothes on your bed, and I'll pick up all this stuff on the floor; what the heck were you doing anyway?

Anne looked sheepishly. I was packing, and then I don't know... I got lost. Anne's eyes teared.

Oh my gosh! Don't cry like a baby! Deena, feeling embarrassed, blurted out. Anne sniffed in response, trying not to cry.

Do you want Mom to treat you like a dumb baby forever?

No. I'm not a dumb baby! Anne was mad now. She may be a stupid weirdo as the kids call her at school, but she was not a baby! "Well, ok then, stop crying; come on, Mom will be up here soon!

Listen, Deena had an idea, if she comes in and you're not done with your clothes, we'll tell her I'm showing you how I learned to pack from the Brownies at last week's meeting, Ok? Deena looked questioningly at Anne.

Yeah! Ok! Anne brightened and smiled. She scooped up the jumbled pile of socks and underwear and quickly began to fold them.

It took Deena only a few minutes to clean the floor; she quickly tossed the treasures back into the box.

Hey, be careful; those are special! Anne was annoyed by her sister's carelessness. Deena responded by sticking her tongue out at her sister.

Hey Anne, are you excited for 3rd grade? You will probably get Mrs. Banks as your teacher; she's really cool and nice. I think you'll like her! 

Yeah, I guess, Anne replied distractedly.

Deena looked at Anne quizzically. She didn't think Anne seemed all that excited about school. Not like she was, it always seemed like Anne had problems at school.

Deena knew that Anne was bullied all the time. It pained her to know this and not be able to do anything about it. What? Anne asked her sister. Why are you staring at me?

Oh! Deena started, Uh, nothing. I was just thinking.

About what?

Oh, just school. I'm going to 6th grade, and we won't get to see each other very much.

It wasn't really a lie. She was thinking about school, and they wouldn't get to see each other very much at school. 

So, you think I'll get Mrs. Banks? Anne brightened. She was your teacher for 3rd grade, right?

Yeah, she was,

Cool. 

Both girls were silent for a few minutes. Then Deena changed the subject to something lighter. Hey, you gonna bring your bathing suit?

Naw, I don't think so. Not this time. 

Really? Deena made a face, You might change your mind later.

Anne thought about it for a while. You know I hate swimming in the river.

Deena was done cleaning; she then went to Anne's closet and pulled out a shirt. So, what are you going to wear?

I don't know. I didn't get that far.... Deena rolled her eyes, Obviously.

Deena pulled out five more shirts. How about these?

Anne looked at each shirt. I guess. she was over packing already.

The door opened quite suddenly. Both girls jumped. Hey! How's it going in here? What's going on? Their mother had popped her head in to check on Anne. She was surprised to see Deena there too. Deena was supposed to be in her room packing.

Oh, Anne asked me what I thought of her choices. You know, for the trip. Look at how she folded everything so nicely! You know, Mom, but she was interrupted by the front door closing.

Hey, there's your father! I bet he's starving! She started to leave but turned back. You two keep at it; I'll be right back, and then she left, going back downstairs.

Anne began to giggle behind her hand.

What's so funny? Deena was puzzled.

Anne's laughter bubbled up, and she clutched her middle, hugging herself.

What... she sputtered through laughter. What happened... to the Brownies story? She collapsed on her bed in a new fit of laughter.

Deena laughed, too, I guess I'm not a very good liar either!

They laughed a few minutes longer.

We better get busy, Anne said, not convincingly.

The next morning, Anne and Deena sat at the breakfast table. The phone rang, and their mother answered with her usual cheerfulness. Their mother listened intently; a look of concern passed over her face.

She asked a few questions and then told the caller she would have to discuss it with her husband, and then she would get back to them. She thanked the caller and hung up. When she turned back to the girls, she had her everything is ok smile on her face.

Anne and Deena both knew what that smile meant. Don't ask questions, and eat your breakfast. Their mom sat back at the table and sipped her coffee. Anne spilled her orange juice. Oh, no, Anne! Their mother exclaimed, jumping up again to grab a towel. I'm sorry! Anne was embarrassed and felt quite stupid. My hand just let go; I don't know why!

Anne's mother looked up; her orange juice mopping stopped. Does that happen to you often, Anne?

I dunno, I guess. Anne shrugged, feeling self-conscious.

Deena sat quietly, eating and watching.

Their mom finished wiping up the spilled orange juice. It's ok, ba... Anne, it was an accident.

Anne piped up, Grandpa says there are no such things as accidents. He said it was just people being careless.

Their mother sighed. Listen, sweetie, your grandfather is old-fashioned and sometimes says things without thinking first. She did that smile again. Anne dropped the subject.

Deena finished her breakfast, stood, grabbed her cereal bowl, and headed for the kitchen. She called over her shoulder. Hey, you want to play outside when you're done? I think Lizzie is coming over soon!

Can I, Mom? I'm all packed! Anne was excited; her sister had included her in playing with the Big kids and almost knocked her bowl over.

Yes, her mother grabbed the bowl before Anne could knock it over.

Thanks, Mom! Anne squealed with delight as she leaped from her chair; she ran to the sliding glass door tripping over her own feet. I'm alright! She called as she got to her feet and continued out to the backyard.

The girls played outside with their friend Liz for most of the morning, but by lunchtime, Anne had fallen off the swing and scraped her knee, which required a Space EXP band-aid, and Anne decided she was done with being outside.

Anne asked her mother if she could watch TV while she waited for lunch, No, Anne, why don't you do something else... like, read a book. Anne wrinkled her nose at that. Ok, I'll find something else to do, but I don't feel like reading right now. Anne thought about it for a while. Then she had an idea. Mom, can I bring my drawing stuff on the trip? Anne's mother thought that was a great idea and told her to go pack up what she wanted to bring for entertainment in her Space EXP backpack while lunch was being made. So, Anne carefully