I shot him the bird. (Get it? I shot him the—never mind.)

Fang and I searched in every way we could think of and found a million institutes of one kind or another, in Manhattan and throughout New York state, but none of them seemed promising. My favorite? The Institute for Realizing Your Pet's Inner Potential. Anyone who can explain that to me, drop a line.

Ari smiled. The sun was shining, the weather was great, he was eating ice cream, and all his dreams were about to come true.

Fang. I had to do some thinking about him. Me. I had some thinking to do about me too.

I don't believe in lecturing people. It's much more effective to present reading as a fun, rewarding pastime.

There are terrific models for success with reluctant readers, but many school systems and state governments need to set aside their 'not invented here' and 'we have more important problems than education' attitudes.

Can you giggle while racing for your life and protecting a six-year-old? I can.