Chapter 1: How to Be a Good SuperheroCHAPTER 1 HOW TO BE A GOOD SUPERHERO
I'm going to be a star!

Okay, maybe not immediately. First I'm going to ace this audition. Then I'm going to be a star.

I'm in my theater class, and I can't wait to get up onstage!

I've been preparing for this day ever since our teacher, Ms. Montgomery, announced the school play.

This year's show is called How to Be a Good Superhero.



And guess who happens to be one in real life?

Believe it or not... me!

Like for real!

My name is Mia Macarooney, and I. Am. A. Superhero!

Now, I know I don't look very super right now. When I'm at Normal Elementary School, I'm just a regular kid.



But after this audition is over, I'm going straight to another school called the Program for In Training Superheroes, aka the PITS! And at that place, I go by my superhero name--Mia Mayhem! I've learned how to use all kinds of awesome powers. But really, the most important part of my training has been learning how to be a good superhero.

So that's why I know I'm perfect for this play!

After a group of my classmates performed, Ms. Montgomery finally called my name. My best friend, Eddie Stein, gave me a big thumbs-up.



"Break a leg!" he whispered. "But obviously, not for real."

He was my only friend in the entire world who knew my super-secret. And he also knew how excited I was for this moment.



I got up, ready to impress everyone. But as I walked onto the stage, something strange happened.

My mind went totally blank.





I looked out in horror as my whole class stared back at me. And that wasn't even the worst part.

Forgetting my lines was one thing, but I suddenly forgot how to talk, too!

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.



It was only after Ms. Montgomery recited a scene with me that I started to remember.

After a long, awkward silence, I mumbled through the scene, skipping over most of what I had prepared.

Just a few minutes ago, I felt like I was on top of the world. But now I was living my worst nightmare.

And all I wanted to do was get off that stage.

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Excerpted from Mia Mayhem Steals the Show! by Kara West
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