The reader knows the science fair moved to Friday. Beaming, Talia sprints toward the gym with her poster and calls out that she is right on time. What does this gap create?

The reader has been told that Marcus's brake cable snapped in the night. Whistling, Marcus coasts toward the steep hill behind the school. What does this knowledge gap create?

The reader knows the hooded figure knocking is Ana's brother in a costume. Ana bolts the door, drags a chair against it, and whispers for her mother. What does this gap create?

The reader knows the last bus leaves at 4:10, though Jonas believes it leaves at 4:40. Jonas stops at the deli to order a sandwich. What would Jonas do if he knew what the reader knows?

The reader has already seen the coach write Priya's name beside the word captain. In the hallway, Priya rehearses a gracious speech for when someone else is named. What does the gap create?

The reader knows the tide covers the sandbar by six o'clock. At quarter to six, Nell and her brother wade out to dig clams, planning to stay an hour. What does the difference create?

The reader knows the pie cooling on the counter is a painted prop for the school play. Grinning, Dev cuts a thick slice and lifts it toward his mouth. What does this gap create?

The reader saw the warning note about the loose ladder rung blow under a bench, unread. Omar sets the ladder against the shed and starts to climb. Why does the reader feel tension Omar does not?

The reader knows Mira overheard the plans for her surprise party an hour ago. When the lights snap on, Mira gasps loudly and covers her mouth. What does the reader understand that the guests do not?

The reader knows the class hamster is asleep inside Mr. Lang's rain boot. Mr. Lang organizes a hallway search and tells everyone to check the high shelves first. What does the gap create?

Rosa does not know the porch light burned out yesterday. She promises her aunt she will be home before dark, then jogs off down the road. Why does the burned-out light build suspense?

The reader knows the rival team learned Kai's trick play from a video posted online. In the huddle, Kai calls that exact play, certain it will catch them off guard. What does the gap create?

The reader knows the letter Grandma keeps rereading was written by Sam, not by the poet Sam admires. Grandma praises the poet's kindness for answering her. What does this gap create?

The reader knows the trail bridge washed out just beyond the second marker. Studying her map, Lena chooses that trail because it is two miles shorter. What would Lena do differently if she knew?

The reader knows the antique vase Theo guards came from a dollar store. Theo lectures his cousins about its priceless history and forbids anyone to touch the shelf. What does the gap create?

The reader knows the storm shelter key snapped off inside the lock last week. As hail begins to fall, Aunt Ruth calmly tells the children there is no need to rush. What does the gap create?

The reader knows Bea's package was delivered to the house next door by mistake. Bea stares at her empty porch and decides the seller cheated her. Which statement best describes the gap here?

The reader knows the coach's easy hiking route climbs a thousand feet. Jamal boasts he will finish first and jogs ahead of the group in flip-flops. What does the difference create?

The reader has seen the fire alarm's wires cut behind the panel. During the drill, the principal assures students the alarm will sound instantly if real trouble comes. Why is the assurance unsettling?

The reader knows Owen's lost dog is safe at a neighbor's house. Owen tapes posters to poles, telling everyone he has already searched every street in the neighborhood. What does the gap create?