Sadiq and the Gamers Read online

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Cover

  Title Page

  Introduction

  Chapter 1: The Gamers Meet

  Chapter 2: Sadiq Volunteers

  Chapter 3: Practicing for the Tournament

  Chapter 4: Sadiq Visits Mr. Soto

  Chapter 5: Harmony House

  Chapter 6: The Gamers Compete!

  Glossary

  Talk About It

  Write It Down

  Write a Letter to Someone in an Assisted-Living Home

  About the Author

  About the Illustrator

  Copyright

  Back Cover

  Cover

  Title Page

  Table of Contents

  Start of Content

  Main Body

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  back cover

  Hi, I’m Sadiq! My family and I live in Minnesota, but my parents are from Somalia. Sometimes we speak Somali at Home.

  I’d like you to meet my family and learn some interesting facts and words from our culture.

  Facts about Somalia

  Somali people come from many different clans.

  Many Somalis are nomadic. That means they travel from place to place. They search for water, food, and land for their animals.

  Somalia is mostly desert. It doesn’t rain often there.

  The camel is an important animal to Somali people. Camels can survive a long time without food or water.

  Around ninety-nine percent of all Somalis are Muslim.

  Somali Terms

  baba (BAH-baah)—

  a common word for father

  hooyo (HOY-yoh)—

  mother

  qalbi (KUHL-bee)—

  my heart

  salaam (sa-LAHM)—

  a short form of Arabic greeting, used by many Muslims. It also means “peace.”

  wiilkeyga (wil-KAY-gaah)—

  my son

  Chapter 1

  The Gamers Meet

  At the end of school on Friday, Sadiq, Manny, and Zaza walked to the school library. It was time for the first meeting of the Gamers, their new video game club!

  When the boys got to the library, Mr. Kim was setting up a table. He was the club advisor.

  “Hi, Mr. Kim!” Sadiq called out.

  “Hello!” Mr. Kim said. “Would you please get some chairs for us? Arrange them around this table so we can all see each other.”

  The boys collected chairs and arranged them. Several other students arrived and started helping. Soon the meeting began. They had a lot to talk about as they planned how the club would work.

  “How often should we meet?” asked Halah. She was in Sadiq’s class.

  “Maybe once a month?” said another student named Nimo.

  “I don’t think that’s enough,” said Sadiq. “It might be better if we meet once a week.”

  “That way we can talk about new games,” said Zaza.

  “Have you all thought about what you want the club to do?” asked Mr. Kim.

  “Yes!” replied Sadiq. “Manny, Zaza, and I had an idea to hold a tournament.”

  “That’s a great idea!” said Mr. Kim. The students around the table all nodded at this idea. “What kind of tournament are you thinking of?”

  “A few of us really like Screech Master 7000,” said Safwan.

  “Is that the racing game?” asked Nimo. “My brother really likes that one!”

  “I think lots of people like it,” said Sadiq. “We could invite students to compete.”

  “Should we have prizes?” asked Halah, smiling. “I’m really good at it and could win.”

  “What do you guys think?” asked Sadiq. “We can award prizes to the fastest players at the end.”

  “What sort of prizes?” asked Nimo. “We would have to pay for them.”

  “What if we sell tickets to enter the tournament?” asked Zaza. “Then we can buy prizes with the ticket money.”

  “These are all great ideas to think about,” said Mr. Kim. “Now let’s discuss the topic of your service pledge.”

  “What is that?” asked Manny.

  “Remember how you helped people when you were in other clubs?” said Mr. Kim. “It’s the same thing. A club should find a way to help others.”

  “We hadn’t thought about that,” replied Manny. “What can we do for a service pledge with video games?”

  The club members were quiet as they thought about what to do.

  “We could teach younger kids how to play,” Nimo suggested.

  “I don’t think we can do that,” said Halah. “My mom doesn’t let my younger brother play video games. She says he’s too young.”

  “Same here,” said Safwan. “My mom doesn’t let my sister Salma play with me.”

  “Does anyone else have an idea?” asked Sadiq, looking around.

  “Should we think about it? We can come back with ideas next week,” said Zaza.

  “Would that be okay, Mr. Kim?” asked Sadiq. “We can plan it for our next meeting.”

  “That would be fine,” replied Mr. Kim, smiling. “It’s enough time for you all to come up with some great ideas!”

  The students spent the next few minutes putting the chairs back and straightening up. They didn’t want the librarian to find it untidy!

  Chapter 2

  Sadiq Volunteers

  Saturday morning was sunny and warm. Sadiq was eating breakfast with his family.

  “Are you still coming with me, Sadiq?” asked Hooyo. “We will have to leave soon for Harmony House.”

  “Yes, Hooyo!” replied Sadiq. “I am almost done eating. I just have to grab my backpack.”

  Hooyo volunteered at an assisted-living home a couple days a week. Sadiq loved to go with her to help out.

  “Do you want to practice Screech tonight?” asked Nuurali. “I could show you those tricks I told you about.”

  “Yes, Nuurali!” replied Sadiq. “That would be great. Zaza beat me last time we played.”

  “Hurry up before Hooyo leaves you,” said Nuurali, teasing. He gently elbowed his younger brother as he got up from the table.

  Sadiq finished his breakfast and put his dishes in the sink. He knew Hooyo didn’t like to be kept waiting.

  “Coming!” he shouted.

  When they arrived at Harmony House, Hooyo went to check in at the main office.

  “You can go in the game room, qalbi,” she said. “I just have to sign us in, then I’ll join you.”

  Sadiq walked to the game room, greeting residents on the way. They all knew him, and most smiled at him.

  “Hi, Mr. Wesman!” Sadiq called out.

  “Hi there, Sadiq!” replied Mr. Wesman. “Up for a game o
f checkers today?”

  “Okay! I think I might finally beat you,” replied Sadiq, laughing.

  “Ha!” said Mr. Wesman. “I look forward to it. The board is all set up. Let’s begin after I finish reading the paper.”

  Magazines and newspapers were scattered on a nearby table. Sadiq tidied them up. As Sadiq put some books back on the shelf, he noticed an older man sitting alone. Sadiq had never seen him before. He looked sad and lonely by himself in the corner.

  “Hi there!” said Sadiq, walking up. “My name is Sadiq Mohamed. I work here sometimes with my mom.”

  “Hello, young man,” replied the man softly. “My name is Mr. Soto.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you,” said Sadiq.

  “Nice to meet you too,” replied Mr. Soto. But instead of looking at Sadiq, he stared out the window. He had a race car magazine on his lap.

  “Do you need anything?” asked Sadiq. “I could get you books if you like.”

  “No, thanks,” replied Mr. Soto. He kept looking out the window.

  Sadiq decided Mr. Soto wanted to be left alone.

  “Well, let me know if there’s anything I can do,” Sadiq said to him.

  As he walked away, he saw three residents at another table. They were playing cards and laughing. They looked like they were having fun. Sadiq wished Mr. Soto could have fun too.

  Chapter 3

  Practicing for the Tournament

  Later that day, Sadiq and his family ate dinner together at home.

  “Did you have fun with your hooyo at Harmony House?” asked Baba.

  “Yes, Baba,” replied Sadiq, smiling. “I played checkers with Mr. Wesman. He always wins.”

  “That’s great, qalbi,” said Baba. “What else did you do?”

  “I helped Hooyo wash dishes,” replied Sadiq. “I also met a new resident. His name is Mr. Soto.”

  “What was he like?” asked Nuurali.

  “I don’t really know,” said Sadiq. “He was nice but didn’t say a whole lot. He seemed sad.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad,” said his sister Aliya.

  “Hooyo, do you know why Mr. Soto was sad?” asked Sadiq.

  “I know he moved in just last month,” replied Hooyo. “It was soon after his wife died. He doesn’t talk a lot. He keeps to himself.”

  “Oh,” said Sadiq, looking down. “I wonder if we can cheer him up.”

  “Maybe once he settles in properly he’ll open up,” said Baba.

  After dinner, everyone helped clear the table.

  “Hey, Sadiq,” Nuurali said when they were done. “Do you still want to play Screech? I have time to play for a little bit.”

  “Race you!” called Sadiq, running up the stairs.

  “I’ll get you next time!” said Nuurali, coming after him.

  Sadiq turned on the computer while Nuurali got out the headsets.

  “Thanks for helping me, Nuurali,” said Sadiq. “I can’t get past level eleven, and I don’t know why.”

  “Why don’t you show me,” said Nuurali. “Are you getting stuck on that 200 marker? A lot of people spin out in that slippery turn.”

  “That’s it!” said Sadiq. “How did you know? It happens every single time.”

  “I spent three weeks stuck at that level,” said Nuurali, laughing. “I finally figured it out.”

  “Do you lose points if you slow down there?” asked Sadiq. “I kept my speed so I wouldn’t lose points. But then I would always spin out.”

  “You do lose points,” replied Nuurali. “But you can make them up once you come out of the turn.”

  The boys put on their headsets.

  Sadiq started the game where he had left off, at level eleven. Soon he was approaching the tricky part.

  “Keep that speed for now,” said Nuurali. “Here comes the 175 marker, so move one lane to the left.”

  “Okay, done! Now what?” asked Sadiq. He kept his eyes on the screen.

  “There’s the 200 marker,” said Nuurali. “Press the down arrow and drop your speed to about fifty. Now, take the corner.”

  “Like this?” asked Sadiq. His tires screeched, but just a little.

  “Just like that,” replied Nuurali. “It’s okay to slide a little like that.”

  Sadiq nodded.

  “Okay, you’re coming out now. Increase your speed slowly,” Nuurali said.

  “Nuurali! I am doing it!” shouted Sadiq, excited. “I am not spinning out!”

  “Yes, I can see, Sadiq,” said Nuurali, laughing. “But concentrate! You could still lose control.”

  “This is so great!” shouted Sadiq. “I can’t believe it!”

  “Straighten out,” said Nuurali. “Good! And you’re on your way to level twelve.”

  “I did it!” shouted Sadiq.

  The two brothers played Screech for an hour. Then it was time to brush their teeth and go to bed.

  “Good night, Nuurali,” said Sadiq once they were in bed. He turned over to recite his prayers.

  “Good night, Sadiq,” said Nuurali.

  They lay in the dark for a few minutes. Then Sadiq remembered something.

  “Oh, no!” he said, sitting up. He had forgotten all about the service pledge.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Nuurali.

  “I just forgot something I had to do,” replied Sadiq. “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

  That night Sadiq had a dream. He was a race car driver in Screech Master 7000! He was trying to pass the lead car on his way to winning. Just as he passed the car, Sadiq looked over. The driver in the lead car was Mr. Soto!

  Chapter 4

  Sadiq Visits Mr. Soto

  Next Friday after school, Sadiq and his friends went to the library for the Gamers meeting. Mr. Kim had art supplies laid out on the tables. There were markers, paints, glitter, and poster board. Once everyone was there, they all began to work on posters. They wanted to advertise their tournament so lots of kids would sign up.

  “We still haven’t picked a service pledge,” said Nimo, coloring a picture of a game controller. “Maybe we could donate the money from the ticket sales.”

  “I don’t think that’s fair,” said Halah. “Lots of kids are using their own allowance to buy a ticket to the tournament. They expect a chance to win prizes.”

  Sadiq thought about Mr. Soto. He looked so sad and lonely. Sadiq wanted to help him, but he didn’t know how.

  “Why don’t you go put up posters,” said Mr. Kim. “You can take one more week to decide on the service pledge.”

  Hooyo was putting on her shoes when Sadiq came downstairs.

  “Salaam, Hooyo,” said Sadiq. “Are you going somewhere?”

  “Yes, qalbi,” replied Hooyo, smiling. “I am going to volunteer at Harmony House.”

  “Oh, right!” said Sadiq. “It’s Saturday! Can I come with you? I could do my homework there.”

  “Of course!” replied Hooyo. “Good thing you have your shoes and backpack.”

  She winked at him and smiled. Sadiq could never find his shoes when it was time to go. His family liked to tease him about it.

  When they arrived at Harmony House, Sadiq made his way to the game room. He found Mr. Soto sitting quietly by the window.

  “Hi, Mr. Soto,” said Sadiq as he waved.

  Mr. Soto waved back but didn’t say anything.

  Sadiq sat down at an empty table. He took out his books and started on his homework. He finished quickly, then pulled out his tablet to play Screech. He wanted to practice as much as he could.

  “Downshift to second gear on that curve. You’ll get more traction that way.”

  Sadiq looked up, startled. He had been concentrating on the game. He hadn’t noticed Mr. Soto standing by his shoulder.

  “You know Screech?” asked Sadiq. His eyes were wide in surprise.

  Sadiq took Mr. Soto’s advice, and it helped. He finished the race with his best time ever!

  “How did you know to do that?” asked Sadiq.

  “I used to race cars when
I was younger,” Mr. Soto replied. “I haven’t done it for many years now. But I still remember some of the tricks.”

  Mr. Soto smiled at Sadiq.

  “That’s awesome! Thanks!” said Sadiq. He couldn’t wait to tell Nuurali.

  Sadiq suddenly had an idea. His eyes lit up as he turned to Mr. Soto.

  “Mr. Soto,” said Sadiq, “would you like to join our video game club?”

  Mr. Soto shook his head. “I’ve never played before. I don’t think I could.”

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Soto,” said Sadiq. “We can show you.”

  “Well,” said Mr. Soto, “sure, why not?”

  When Sadiq left Harmony House that day, he was excited. He couldn’t wait for the Gamers to meet Mr. Soto and the other residents.

  Chapter 5

  Harmony House

  “Mr. Soto is really great,” said Sadiq. “All the residents are. I can’t wait for you guys to meet them!”

  Mr. Kim was driving Sadiq and the rest of the club to Harmony House. Sadiq had talked the members into having their meeting there.

  Mr. Kim pulled into the parking lot and found a place to park.

  “Okay, kids, remember your manners,” he said as he turned off the van. Everyone piled out and made their way inside.

  The kids waited while Mr. Kim checked them in at the office. Some of them were nervous.

  “It’s okay, you guys,” said Sadiq. “Everyone here is really friendly!”

  Sadiq led Mr. Kim and the kids to Mr. Soto’s table in the game room.

  “Hi, Mr. Soto!” said Sadiq. “These are my friends in the video game club. Remember the ones I told you about?”

  “Oh, yes,” replied Mr. Soto.

  “Everyone, meet Mr. Soto!” said Sadiq.

  Sadiq was grinning from ear to ear. “I told my friends how you helped me, Mr. Soto. They wanted to meet you!”

  “Well, I didn’t do much,” said Mr. Soto with a shrug. “I only gave him one tip.”

  “Are you ready to play a game?” asked Sadiq.

  “Ready,” said Mr. Soto. “Maybe I can learn from you this time.”

  Sadiq smiled and took out his tablet. The other kids reached into their bags and took out theirs too. They all sat around Mr. Soto’s table.