Siman Nuurali - Sadiq and the Gamers

Hi, Im Sadiq! My family and I live in Minnesota, but my parents are from Somalia. Sometimes we speak Somali at Home.

Id like you to meet my family and learn some interesting facts and words from our culture.

• Somali people come from many different clans.
• Many Somalis are nomadic. That means they travel from place to place. They search for water, food, and land for their animals.
• Somalia is mostly desert. It doesnt rain often there.
• The camel is an important animal to Somali people. Camels can survive a long time without food or water.
• Around ninety-nine percent of all Somalis are Muslim.

At the end of school on Friday, Sadiq, Manny, and Zaza walked to the school library. It was time for the first meeting of the Gamers, their new video game club!

When the boys got to the library, Mr. Kim was setting up a table. He was the club advisor.

Hi, Mr. Kim! Sadiq called out.

Hello! Mr. Kim said. Would you please get some chairs for us? Arrange them around this table so we can all see each other.

The boys collected chairs and arranged them. Several other students arrived and started helping. Soon the meeting began. They had a lot to talk about as they planned how the club would work.

How often should we meet? asked Halah. She was in Sadiqs class.

Maybe once a month? said another student named Nimo.

I dont think thats enough, said Sadiq. It might be better if we meet once a week.

That way we can talk about new games, said Zaza.

Have you all thought about what you want the club to do? asked Mr. Kim.

Yes! replied Sadiq. Manny, Zaza, and I had an idea to hold a .

Thats a great idea! said Mr. Kim. The students around the table all nodded at this idea. What kind of tournament are you thinking of?

A few of us really like Screech Master 7000, said Safwan.

Is that the racing game? asked Nimo. My brother really likes that one!

I think lots of people like it, said Sadiq. We could invite students to .

Should we have prizes? asked Halah, smiling. Im really good at it and could win.

What do you guys think? asked Sadiq. We can award prizes to the fastest players at the end.

What sort of prizes? asked Nimo. We would have to pay for them.

What if we sell tickets to enter the tournament? asked Zaza. Then we can buy prizes with the ticket money.

These are all great ideas to think about, said Mr. Kim. Now lets discuss the topic of your .

What is that? asked Manny.

Remember how you helped people when you were in other clubs? said Mr. Kim. Its the same thing. A club should find a way to help others.

We hadnt thought about that, replied Manny. What can we do for a service pledge with video games?

The club members were quiet as they thought about what to do.

We could teach younger kids how to play, Nimo suggested.

I dont think we can do that, said Halah. My mom doesnt let my younger brother play video games. She says hes too young.

Same here, said Safwan. My mom doesnt let my sister Salma play with me.

Does anyone else have an idea? asked Sadiq, looking around.

Should we think about it? We can come back with ideas next week, said Zaza.

Would that be okay, Mr. Kim? asked Sadiq. We can plan it for our next meeting.

That would be fine, replied Mr. Kim, smiling. Its enough time for you all to come up with some great ideas!

The students spent the next few minutes putting the chairs back and straightening up. They didnt want the librarian to find it untidy!

Saturday morning was sunny and warm. Sadiq was eating breakfast with his family.

Are you still coming with me, Sadiq? asked Hooyo. We will have to leave soon for Harmony House.

Yes, Hooyo! replied Sadiq. I am almost done eating. I just have to grab my backpack.

Hooyo home a couple days a week. Sadiq loved to go with her to help out.

Do you want to practice Screech tonight? asked Nuurali. I could show you those tricks I told you about.

Yes, Nuurali! replied Sadiq. That would be great. Zaza beat me last time we played.

Hurry up before Hooyo leaves you, said Nuurali, teasing. He gently elbowed his younger brother as he got up from the table.

Sadiq finished his breakfast and put his dishes in the sink. He knew Hooyo didnt like to be kept waiting.

Coming! he shouted.

When they arrived at Harmony House, Hooyo went to check in at the main office.

You can go in the game room, qalbi, she said. I just have to sign us in, then Ill join you.

Sadiq walked to the game room, greeting on the way. They all knew him, and most smiled at him.

Hi, Mr. Wesman! Sadiq called out.

Hi there, Sadiq! replied Mr. Wesman. Up for a game of checkers today?

Okay! I think I might finally beat you, replied Sadiq, laughing.

Ha! said Mr. Wesman. I look forward to it. The board is all set up. Lets begin after I finish reading the paper.

Magazines and newspapers were scattered on a nearby table. Sadiq tidied them up. As Sadiq put some books back on the shelf, he noticed an older man sitting alone. Sadiq had never seen him before. He looked sad and lonely by himself in the corner.

Hi there! said Sadiq, walking up. My name is Sadiq Mohamed. I work here sometimes with my mom.

Hello, young man, replied the man softly. My name is Mr. Soto.

Its very nice to meet you, said Sadiq.

Nice to meet you too, replied Mr. Soto. But instead of looking at Sadiq, he stared out the window. He had a race car magazine on his lap.

Do you need anything? asked Sadiq. I could get you books if you like.

No, thanks, replied Mr. Soto. He kept looking out the window.

Sadiq decided Mr. Soto wanted to be left alone.

Well, let me know if theres anything I can do, Sadiq said to him.

As he walked away, he saw three residents at another table. They were playing cards and laughing. They looked like they were having fun. Sadiq wished Mr. Soto could have fun too.

Later that day, Sadiq and his family ate dinner together at home.