Revising and Editing: The Mural Wall

The Big Gray Wall (First Draft)

1Last spring, my neighborhood painted a mural on the side of the community center. For years, the wall had been plain gray, and people said it looked gloomy. Ms. Okafor, an artist who lives on our street, sketched a plan for a giant picture of our neighborhood. It would show our park, our school, and the people who live nearby. She invited kids and grown-ups to help her paint it.

2On the first Saturday, I got to the wall early. Ms. Okafor handed me a wide brush and a can of sky blue paint. My job was to fill in the sky across the top of the wall. I had to stand on a step stool, and my arm got tired fast. Then I painted clouds. Then I painted birds. Then I took a break.

3While I rested, I watched the other painters. Mr. Chen painted the food truck that parks by our school every Friday. My cousin has a dog named Biscuit who likes to chase squirrels. Two older kids painted a row of tall green trees along the bottom. Everyone worked on a different part, but it all fit together like a puzzle.

4The hardest part came on the second Saturday. Dark clouds rolled in, and it started to sprinkle. We rushed to cover the wet paint with big plastic sheets. I was worried that the rain would wash away my sky. When the shower passed, we slowly lifted the plastic. The paint was fine! Everyone clapped and cheered.

5When the mural was done, it was really nice. Now when I walk past the community center, I look up at my blue sky. It makes me feel good.