Chapter OneThe Next Big Thing

Jordan had decided what she wanted to be when she grew up.

Again.

This time, she was going to be an astronaut. Not just any astronaut, either. Jordan planned to be the first kid to walk on Mars.

She stood in the middle of the living room wearing silver rain boots, her bicycle helmet, and one of Dad's old winter gloves. The other glove had disappeared somewhere under the couch.

"Mission Commander Jordan reporting for duty!" she announced.

Lucy looked up from the tea party she had arranged on the rug. She wore a purple tutu, a plastic tiara, and a serious expression. Even Mr. Bear had a napkin folded neatly across his lap.

"You know astronauts wear two gloves, right?"

Jordan looked at her bare hand. "The other one is still being tested."

"It's under the couch."

"I knew that."

Yesterday, Jordan had wanted to be a professional soccer player. The day before that, she had planned to open the world's largest cupcake shop. Last week, she had spent three hours training to become a detective.

She still had not found the missing television remote.

Jordan marched toward the kitchen. "I need supplies."

"What kind of supplies?"

"Boxes. Tape. Foil. Snacks."

"Why snacks?"

"It's a long trip to Mars."

Lucy sighed. "It takes months to get to Mars."

Jordan stopped walking. "How many snacks is that?"

"More than we own."

Jordan nodded slowly. "We'll pack the big bag of chips."

Ten minutes later, she dragged two cardboard boxes into the living room and taped them together.

"That is not a rocket," Lucy said.

"It will be."

"It looks like two boxes losing a fight."

Jordan ignored her. She covered the front in foil and drew a control panel — buttons for launching, landing, turbo speed, and emergency cookies.

"Emergency cookies?" Lucy asked.

"For emergencies."

"That is the only part of this plan I trust."

★ Excerpt continues in the full book ★