The Best Halloween Ever

The next morning, Mr. Crabtree announces that “owing to widespread misconduct” (21), by some students, a Halloween event will be held at Woodrow Wilson School, chaperoned by parents and teachers. Alice Wendleken says what everyone is thinking—namely, that by “some students,” Mr. Crabtree means the Herdmans—and she turns around to glare at Imogene. Imogene herself is surprised at the news but doesn’t seem that angry at Alice’s accusation. The more immediately startling revelation is that Mr. Crabtree is showing an unusual amount of interest in Halloween for someone who thinks it’s on October 29. The fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Hazelwood, suggests that one of the students should interview the principal to find out what he’s thinking—for extra credit, of course. Only Alice volunteers. However, it’s soon clear that Mr. Crabtree’s enthusiasm is a result of the holiday’s potential for assigning more work: essays on the history of Halloween, reports on its symbolism, and so on. Alice, keen to take on any opportunity to get extra credit, gets to work immediately. The other students follow reluctantly, deciding that this Halloween is better than no Halloween. The kids start to think about their costumes. Beth is looking forward to being a belly dancer, even though her mom won’t let her put a jewel in her belly button.