Guys Read: Bouncing the Grinning Goat

Spark has stolen her brother’s armor and his sword, and now she’s looking for a job. But this job is going to bring much more than she bargained for, and even her wits might not be enough to save her. A short story from Guys Read: Other Worlds, edited by Jon Scieszka. She’s only pretending to be a hero, but what happens when a real threat arrives? Strong Female Protagonist: Spark might be in over her head, but she’s got more courage than her stolen armor has steel. Funny Fantasy Adventure: From bluffing her way into a bouncer job to outsmarting a tavern full of toughs, this quest is packed with wit and humor. Hidden Powers: She thinks her only magic is a clever lie and a lucky rock. She’s about to find out she’s wrong when the dangerous Ash Raiders attack. Perfect for Reluctant Readers: A fast-paced, standalone short story that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go.