The Library Card Form

On a rainy Thursday afternoon, a small boy stands at the front desk of the public library. He is seven years old, and this is his first visit. He wants his own library card. The librarian, Mrs. Dobrev, gives him a form and a pencil. "Answer every question, please," she says. He takes this very seriously. Here is his form.

LIBRARY CARD APPLICATION. Please write clearly. First name: Lisandro. Last name: The same as my dad. Age: 7. In May, I'm going to be 7 and a half. Place of birth: Room 6 of the hospital. I don't remember it.

Address: The yellow house next to the bakery. Number 14. The 4 is a little broken. Phone number: I don't have a phone. I'm 7. Are you a student? Yes. I am in second grade. My teacher is nice, but she is very strict about shoes.

Are you 18 or older? No. Is this a trick question? Do you owe the library any money? No. This is my first time here. Who can we call in an emergency? My mom. She is in the blue car outside. She is looking for a parking space.

Signature of parent or guardian: My mom is going to do this part. She is still looking for a parking space.

Comments: Here are the books I want to read. 1. All the books about sharks. 2. A book with a map in it. 3. The book my cousin says is too scary for me. (Numbers 4 to 39 are on the back.) 40. A book about a boy who gets his first library card.