Stray Cat by Linda Rae Apolzon

Katrina is a shy, gifted child, particularly curious about math. When boredom in the fifth grade classroom sets in because her teacher considers creative or insightful questioning bothersome and adversarial to her teaching methodology, Katrina’s attention is drawn to observing other student’s minor “mis-behaviors.” Often she has been the one caught misbehaving. Often her mother has been summoned to school. This day the situation has reached a crisis, Mom has vented her own frustration with the school’s instructional plan upon the principal. Katrina will go to the Margaret James School! Somehow, the family will find the money to send her to this private school.

Katrina does not welcome the change. At first she attempts to sabotage it, but as she understands that her creativity is welcomed and fostered, she begins to settle in academically. Fitting in with her academic peers, she is free to observe people and relationships more clearly.

Desperately seeking a best friend, Katrina reaches out to Amy Nishi, who she discovers is a pianist hiding her talents. Having learned from caring teachers that friends support one another, Katrina supports Amy and their friendship blooms.

As Katrina opens herself to understanding motivations, she also opens her heart to Decimal, a frightened, stray kitten who begins to trust her. Ultimately she rescues him and takes him in.

Linda Apolzon is a resident of Tennessee.