The Kite That Spun

The Kite That Spun

1On Monday, Ms. Ruiz told her class about Kite Day, a contest on the big field behind the school. Each team would build a kite from paper, thin sticks, and string. "The kite that stays in the air the longest wins a ribbon," she said. "Contest day is Friday."

2Imani was sure she knew how to win. She had flown kites with her uncle, and she drew her plan on the very first day. Her kite would be sleek and smooth, shaped like a diamond, with nothing hanging off it. "I'll lead this team," she told Kofi and Lucía. "Just hand me the paper and tape."

3While Imani worked, Kofi sketched in his notebook. His drawing showed a kite with a long tail made of paper bows. "Maybe we could add—" he began. "No, thanks," said Imani without looking up. "Tails are for beginners. Mine will fly fine." Kofi closed his notebook and said nothing more.

4On Friday, the wind was strong and gusty. The team ran across the field, and Imani's kite leaped into the sky. It looked beautiful for about five seconds. Then it began to spin in wild circles. It dipped, twirled, and slammed into the grass, and one of the thin sticks snapped in two.

5Imani's face felt hot. She wanted to hide behind the fence. "It's the wind's fault," she muttered, and she kicked a clump of grass. For a long minute, she stared at the crumpled kite. Then she remembered Kofi's closed notebook.

6Imani walked over to Kofi. "Could I see your drawing?" she asked quietly. Kofi slid his notebook toward her. "A tail keeps a kite steady in the wind," he explained, "so it doesn't spin." Imani studied the sketch and nodded. "I should have listened to you on Monday, and I'm sorry," she said.

7Ms. Ruiz gave every team a second chance after lunch. This time, the three friends worked as one. Kofi tied paper bows onto a long string for the tail, Lucía taped the broken stick, and Imani patched the torn paper.

8At the second launch, the kite lifted into the wind and stayed steady, floating high above the field like a bright diamond with a tail of bows. The class clapped and cheered. Imani grinned at her teammates. "I used to think a leader had to know every answer," she said. "Now I think a leader has to listen."