She always likes it when school starts again in September.

There will probably be new kids in her class.

Alyssa thinks a lot about what she wants to wear on the first day of school.

Her mom and dad say first impressions are important

Alyssa and her mom go to the department store to get her new clothes.

They walk past the boys’ section.

Alyssa sees a bow tie.

It has blue and pink stripes

It ties around the neck

She is thinking. 

Alyssa crosses her fingers.

I guess we can get it

Alyssa jumps up and down in excitement.

They pick up the bow tie.

it will look cool 

She hardly eats any of her breakfast

Her dad made waffles

Her dad shows her how to tie the bow tie

Alyssa’s friend Aveed is waiting there 

Alyssa is embarrassed.

She shouldn’t wear the bow tie.

She just shrugs and says nothing.

The bus comes, and Alyssa and Aveed get on

“Bow ties are for boys!” 

Alyssa mumbles

The new kids will think she’s dumb for wearing a bow tie.

She will ask the teacher when she gets to school to help her take it off.

You must be very creative.

She likes being creative. 

She can’t wait to show her bow tie to her art teacher.