The Itch

Emma’s smile instantly faded from her face. She squeezed her brown eyes closed, and then opened them wide again, hoping they were playing tricks on her. “Gross!” she shrieked. “What is that on your arm?” “Huh? What do you mean?” replied Molly, her body filling with fear.“There’s a slimy, green trail from your shoulder to your cast.”Molly Palmer, a sixth grader, has recently broken her arm. While playing hide-and-seek with her friends, a tiny alien creature worms its way down the cast and burrows deep inside of her arm. This is when the trouble begins. At first there is an intense itching. Her mother tells her that it’s normal, all casts itch. But soon Molly realizes there is something more sinister at work. She begins craving odd things, like flowers and dirt. Even worse, her beloved pet cat, Sugar, attacks her every time she comes near. In addition to dealing with all of these issues, Molly must also contend with the school bully who ruthlessly torments her.While visiting a friend, Molly discovers that she has a Yacktuki infestation and must find a cure or turn into one. The cure is simple, but disgusting. Can she stomach it? Or, will she disappear forever? Read more