Description

Get Lost

Katie Carew had always felt like an outsider in her own life. The relentless teasing from her classmates, particularly the school bully who mockingly dubbed her “Katie Kazoo,” only deepened her desire to escape her own identity. She often daydreamed about being someone else—someone brave, popular, and free from the shackles of her current existence. Little did she know that her wish for transformation would soon become a reality.

The much-anticipated two-day science field trip to Nature School was supposed to be a thrilling adventure, filled with exploration and discovery. The students buzzed with excitement as they boarded the bus, eager to immerse themselves in the wonders of the great outdoors. However, their enthusiasm quickly waned upon meeting Genie, the Nature School counselor. With her stern demeanor and a clipboard in hand, Genie the Meanie wasted no time in laying down the law. Her strict rules and no-fun policy cast a shadow over the trip, turning what should have been a joyous experience into a series of monotonous lectures and tedious activities.

As the days unfolded, Katie’s frustration grew. She longed for a way to escape the oppressive atmosphere Genie had created. In a moment of desperation, she wished more fervently than ever to be someone else—anyone but herself. To her astonishment, her wish was granted most unexpectedly. During a particularly chaotic moment, Katie found herself morphing into Genie! At first, the transformation was exhilarating; she reveled in the power and authority that came with being the counselor. But as the reality of her new role set in, panic washed over her. With her classmates looking to her for guidance, she was thrust into a position she had never prepared for.

In her attempt to lead the group on a hike, Katie’s inexperience quickly became apparent. She misread the trail markers and, before long, the class was hopelessly lost in the wilderness. The once vibrant chatter of her classmates turned into anxious whispers as they realized the gravity of their situation. Katie’s heart raced as she transformed back into her own body, the weight of responsibility crashing down on her. She had to find a way to regain control and lead her classmates back to safety.

Drawing on her newfound courage, Katie took a deep breath and assessed the situation. She remembered the lessons she had learned from her brief experience as Genie. Instead of succumbing to panic, she decided to rally her classmates. “Okay, everyone! We may be lost, but we can figure this out together!” she declared her situation.

Panic began to seep into the air, and Katie felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on her. She had always wanted to escape her identity, but now she was trapped in a role that felt even more suffocating.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees, Katie’s heart raced. She could hear the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds, but all she could focus on was the growing unease among her classmates. They looked to her for direction, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. “What do we do now, Katie?” one of her friends, Sarah, asked, her voice trembling.

Katie took a deep breath, trying to channel the confidence she had seen in Genie. “Um, let’s just… let’s retrace our steps,” she suggested, though her mind was racing with doubt. She had no idea which way they had come from, and the forest around them seemed to close in, the trees towering like giants.

As they began to walk, Katie felt a strange mix of exhilaration and dread. She was no longer the timid girl who had been bullied; she was now the one in charge. But with that power came responsibility, and she realized that she had to make decisions that could affect everyone’s safety. The thrill of being someone else was quickly overshadowed by the fear of failure.

After what felt like hours of wandering, Katie stumbled upon a small clearing. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the landscape. It was beautiful, but the beauty did little to calm her nerves. “Okay, everyone, let’s take a break,” she said, trying to sound authoritative. The group sat down, and Katie could see the worry etched on their faces.

At that moment, she felt a flicker of empathy for Genie. The counselor had been strict, but perhaps it was her way of trying to keep everyone safe. Katie realized that leading wasn’t just about being in charge; it was about caring for those who looked up to you. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, and then she spoke again, this time with more conviction. “I know we’re lost, but we can figure this out together. Let’s think about what we can do.”

Her classmates nodded, and slowly, the tension began to ease. They started to share ideas, recalling landmarks they had seen and discussing the direction they had come from.

Nancy E. Krulik

About The Author

Nancy Krulik has made a significant mark in the literary world, having penned over 100 books aimed at children and young adults, with three of those titles achieving the coveted status of New York Times bestsellers. Among her most celebrated works is the beloved Katie Kazoo Switcheroo series, which has captured the hearts of second, third, and fourth graders across the country. This series, characterized by its imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, has established Nancy as a prominent figure in children’s literature, making her a household name among young readers and their parents.

Along with her contributions to children’s literature, Nancy has carved out a niche for herself in teen biographies, focusing on the lives of Hollywood’s most popular young stars. Her in-depth knowledge and engaging writing style have made her a sought-after guest on various entertainment programs, including those on the E! network, Extra, and Access Hollywood. During these appearances, she shares fascinating insights into the private lives of celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Justin Timberlake, charming audiences with her behind-the-scenes stories and expert commentary. Furthermore, her expertise has led her to participate in radio shows nationwide, where she discusses the lives of the superstars she has meticulously researched.

Nancy’s versatility as an author extends to her work on teen and preteen advice books, including the comprehensive guide Prom!: The Complete Guide to a Truly Spectacular Night, published by Grosset and Dunlap. Her insights and expertise have garnered attention from major magazines like Cosmo Girl, Teen, and Seventeen, where she has been featured in interviews discussing her work and the challenges faced by young adults today. Recently, she has ventured into the realm of young adult fiction, crafting four romantic novels set to be released between 2004 and 2005. Residing in Manhattan with her husband, composer Daniel Burwasser, their two children, Amanda and Ian, and their spirited cocker spaniel, Pepper, Nancy continues to inspire and entertain through her writing.