Jabari Jumps

“I’m jumping off the diving board today,” Jabari told his dad. “Really?” said his dad.

The diving board was high and maybe a little scary, but Jabari had finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and now he was ready to jump.

“I’m a great jumper,” said Jabari, “so I’m not scared at all.”

Jabari watched the other kids climb the long ladder. They walked all the way out to the end of the board, as big as tiny bugs. Then they stood on the edge. They spread their arms and bent their knees. And sprang up! up! up! And then they dove down, down, down.
Splash!
“Looks easy,” Jabari said.
But when his dad squeezed his hand, Jabari squeezed back.