After that little trip down memory lane, we're back on the highway and back in Sal's story.
Our girl tells Gram and Gramps about Mr. Birkway, her English teacher.
If you had him, Mr. Birkway would totally be one of your most favorite teachers. He's crazy and full of energy and enthusiasm. He thinks each of his students is a genius, and he totally loves what he teaches. Sounds pretty great, huh?
On the first day of school, Mr. Birkway collects his students' journals. Sal's classmates are very nervous about this – they don't want anyone to read what's in their journals. It's private!
Sal tells Mr. Birkway that she doesn't have a journal, and he tells her he'll think of something else instead.
These journals are bad news, Sal warns her grandparents.