The New Family

The Robinsons moved into the neighborhood in July. It was very hot. They saw the sign about the block club. Mrs. Robinson said, “That is good. I want to live on a safe block.” 

The next day, Jimmy and Jerome Robinson were outside playing. They were playing baseball. Adam Johnson came to play with them. He said, “I’m glad to have someone to play ball with.” He lived across the street. 

Jimmy hit it hard. It went into the neighbor’s yard. He said, “I’ll go get it. Wait for me here.”  

“No, don’t go there,” said Adam. That’s where Mr. James lives. He is the head of the Block Club. He will be angry. We are not supposed to play baseball on the street. We are supposed to go to the park to play baseball.” 

“But my mother will be angry if I lose our ball,” Jimmy said. 

So he went to the neighbor’s yard to get the ball. A tall man came out of the house just as he got to the ball. 

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” he asked. 

“I’m Jimmy Robinson, and I came to get my baseball. I’m sorry I hit it here. I didn’t know the rule.” 

“OK. You can get it this one time. But remember, we all need to follow the rules on this block. The rules help us have a good place to live, a safe place to live. If you want to play ball, go to the park.” 

Jimmy ran back with the ball. Adam and Jerome were glad to see him. “That’s my brave brother,” said Jerome. Just then their mother came outside. “Mr. James called me. He says he wants to help us understand the rules of the block. What have you been doing?”