Ben Hightower

“How to make pickles, seven plus four, and the capital of England.” All the children paid close attention. “The capital of England is London,” said Mrs. Jewls. “Seven plus four equals eleven. And pickles are made by sticking cucumbers in brine.” On her desk she had a box of cucumbers and a vat of brine for a demonstration. “Okay, Joe,” said Mrs. Jewls. “How much is seven plus four?” Joe shrugged. “But I just told you, Joe,” said Mrs. Jewls. “Weren’t you listening?” “I don’t know,” said Joe. “Okay, who can tell me how pickles are made? Yes, Jason.” “Eleven!” Jason declared. Mrs. Jewls frowned. “That’s a correct answer,” she said, “but unfortunately I didn’t ask the right question. Can anyone”
― Louis Sachar, Wayside School is Falling Down

“tell me how pickles are made? Yes, Bebe.” “In London,” said Bebe. “I suppose they make some pickles in London,” said Mrs. Jewls. “Okay, let’s start again. Calvin, what’s the capital of England?” “Could you write England on the board?” asked Calvin. “I can do a lot better when I can see the question.” Mrs. Jewls wrote England on the board. “Oh, okay,” said Calvin, now that he saw the question. “The capital of England is E.” “Yes, that’s one capital of England,” Mrs. Jewls had to admit. “Okay, I will say it one more time. The capital of England is London.” “Isn’t that where they make all the pickles?” asked Jenny.”
― Louis Sachar, Wayside School is Falling Down

“selling”
― Jane O'Connor, Nancy Clancy Seeks a Fortune

“yelled”
― Annie Barrows, Ivy and Bean