Okay, I was unpopular. But was I so amazingly unpopular that I needed a magical blue chimp for a best friend? Quite possibly. "Me? Are you sure you have the right kid?" "If you're Willie Ryan, of Seven Lamplighter Lane, I have the right kid. And I have been waiting for you here for, like, a really long time...." "Why would you wait for me? Why would you want me for a best friend?" As I said this, I couldn't help wondering, Isn't there, like, a lonely blue surfer chimp somewhere that needs a buddy more than I do? "You're the one, Willie. I know you are. Didn't your best friend just leave you?" "Uh, well, my friend Tim moved to--" "Right, see? My best friend left me too. And aren't you a really special guy who just needs a chance?" "Well--" "Me, too. And don't you like bananas?" I had to think about that one for a minute. "Yes, actually. Now that you mention it, I do like bananas, Dodger." "See, Willie? This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Excerpted from Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
