260 Questions
Why does the narrator feel a bad feeling the first time he sees Miss Saunders?
He feels like she is someone he should stay clear of
What is unusual about Miss Saunders' name?
It is a man's name, Michael
What physical feature does the narrator find unusual about Miss Saunders?
She has a giant white stain on her face
How does the narrator feel about attracting strange characters?
He feels like strange characters are drawn to him
What is the main reason for Miss Saunders confronting Charlese?
Charlese's disrespectful behavior
Who interrupts Miss Saunders during her confrontation with Charlese?
Tai, another teacher
What do Charlese and Juju often resort to due to financial struggles?
Selling expensive items at low prices
Where do the girls gather every morning to talk and smoke?
The bathroom
Who used to be a good student until influenced by Caleb?
Maleeka
What caused Maleeka to be bullied by Charlese and her friends?
Caleb's attention
What did Charlese provide Maleeka with every morning?
Clothes to wear
Who revealed being college roommates and close friends with Miss Saunders?
Tai, another teacher
What is the impact of Charlese and her friends' behavior on Maleeka?
She is bullied
What caused Maleeka's change in behavior at school?
Influence of Caleb
What does Charlese make a rude comment about?
Miss Saunders' face
What is the common activity of Charlese and her friends during school hours?
Skipping class
What is the main reason for Maleeka's bullying at school?
Her dark skin color
Who lends Maleeka clothes to boost her confidence?
Charlese
What leads Maleeka to decide that she deserves better treatment?
The ridicule she faces at school
Who confronts Charlese and Worm for misbehaving in the hallway?
Miss Saunders
What complicates Maleeka's challenging situation at school?
Miss Saunders' tough approach
Who humiliates Maleeka by publicly demanding back the clothes she lent?
Charlese
Who tries to control Charlese's rebellious nature?
Worm
What is the initial reaction of John-John and others to Miss Saunders complimenting Maleeka's skin?
They tease her with a derogatory song
What physical attribute of Maleeka becomes a target for teasing?
Her tall and skinny appearance
Who bullies Maleeka for her dark skin color?
John-John McIntyre
What is the primary reason for Maleeka's decision to stand up for herself?
Deserving better treatment
Who disrespects Miss Saunders during a tense exchange?
Charlese
What does Maleeka experience during a class trip to Washington, D.C.?
Severe bullying due to her appearance and academic success
What does Char expect from Maleeka in exchange for protecting her from bullies?
Doing her homework
How does Maleeka feel about the support she receives from Char?
Conflicted, as Char provides her with expensive clothes but also emotionally abuses her
What does Miss Saunders challenge the students to express?
What their faces communicate to the world
How does Malcolm humorously describe the message his face conveys?
That he is 'the doctor of love'
What does John-John believe his face conveys?
A message of toughness and demands respect
What does Miss Saunders emphasize the importance of during her personal story?
Self-acceptance and the journey to discovering one's true identity
How do the students respond to Miss Saunders's openness?
With curiosity and empathy
What does the chapter primarily delve into?
Themes of bullying, self-image, and the search for self-acceptance
What does Maleeka feel conflicted about in her relationship with Char?
Char provides her with expensive clothes but also emotionally abuses her
What is the central focus of Miss Saunders's discussion with the students?
Self-acceptance and the impact of appearance on identity
How does Char's protection affect Maleeka emotionally?
It creates conflicting emotions due to Char's emotional abuse despite material support
What did Miss Saunders do to evaluate the students' knowledge and abilities?
Initiated a surprise test with no impact on grades
What did the protagonist's mother do after receiving a work bonus?
Took the protagonist shopping for new clothes
What assignment did Miss Saunders give to the class to foster empathy and imagination?
Write a diary from the perspective of a teenager in the seventeenth century
What did Charlese do upon seeing the protagonist's new look?
Made a negative comment
What did John-John do in response to Miss Saunders's assignment?
Questioned the assignment
What did Desda struggle with?
Reading
What did the protagonist initially do in response to Desda's enthusiasm for the assignment?
Remained silent
What did Miss Saunders aim to highlight through her teaching approach and the students' reactions to her assignments?
The dynamics within her class
What did Miss Saunders do to thwart Charlese's attempt to manipulate the pairing?
Intervened directly
What did Miss Saunders aim to achieve through the assignment of writing a diary from a specific perspective?
Foster empathy and imagination
What did the chapter provide insight into?
The protagonist's evolving self-image and dynamics within Miss Saunders's class
What was the protagonist's mother's impact on her life highlighted in the text?
The protagonist's evolving self-image
What will Maleeka be doing as a punishment?
Working in the school office
Who came up with the idea of Maleeka's punishment?
Miss Saunders and Maleeka's mother
What does Miss Saunders believe about Maleeka's potential?
She believes Maleeka has more potential than she's letting on
What is Maleeka's opinion of Miss Saunders?
She thinks Miss Saunders is a big mouth, bossy broad
What does Maleeka decide to do to change how people perceive her?
Change her hair by cutting it short
What does Ronnie use on Maleeka's hair during the transformation?
Texturizer to create tiny curls
What does Maleeka's transformation symbolize?
Her desire for acceptance and a new identity
What does Ronnie emphasize the importance of in wearing the new hairstyle?
Attitude and confidence
What impact does Maleeka's new look have on her?
It boosts her confidence
What does the story highlight about young girls?
The impact of self-image and societal beauty standards
What motivates Maleeka to seek a change in her appearance?
Desire for acceptance and approval from others
What does Maleeka keep a secret from Sweets and her mother?
Her true motivation for the haircut
What does Maleeka's father's death and teasing from other kids lead her to feel?
Self-conscious about her appearance
What does Sweets help Maleeka find?
A hairdresser, Ronnie
What does Maleeka's decision to change her appearance reflect?
Her struggle for self-acceptance and societal approval
What does Maleeka seek to gain through her new look?
Acceptance and approval from others
What does the text primarily provide insight into?
The challenges faced by the protagonist and her mother
What does the protagonist do in response to her friend Charlese insulting the school lunch?
Offers her own lunch, which Charlese refuses
How does the protagonist improve Charlese's food?
Scrapes off the unwanted additions and adds condiments
What causes a mess with the protagonist's lunch in the cafeteria?
Her mother's heavy-handed use of salad oil
What is highlighted about the protagonist's mother in the text?
Her ongoing struggle to make ends meet
What is the lunch ladies' reputation at McClenton Middle School?
They are known to tamper with food if students complain about it
Why does Charlese end up with unappetizing additions to her food?
For insulting the quality of the school lunch
What does Charlese do after eating the improved food?
Dismisses the protagonist
What does the protagonist do after her lunch spills in the cafeteria?
Joins another friend at a different table
What is the narrator's mother preoccupied with?
Stocks and financial matters
What is highlighted about the protagonist's mother in the text?
Her financial struggles contrasted with her intelligence and resourcefulness
What does the text primarily provide insight into?
The challenges faced by the protagonist and her mother
What causes Maleeka to feel self-conscious and cry in the bathroom at school?
Receiving negative reactions from her peers about her new haircut
What prompts Maleeka to examine herself in a mirror and regain composure?
Recalling advice from her father about self-perception
What contributes to Maleeka being frequently late for school?
An unreliable alarm clock in her home
What does Maleeka try to avoid by not expressing her dissatisfaction?
Hurting her mother's feelings about the homemade clothing
What is the primary reason for Maleeka's mother's unstable financial situation?
Household repairs and her lottery dreams
What initially causes Maleeka to receive positive attention and encouragement?
Getting a new haircut
What does Maleeka's mother hope for through stock market investments?
Their financial future
What does Maleeka struggle with in her relationship with Charlese?
Feeling conflicted about her relationship with Char
What does Maleeka's mother try to avoid hurting by not expressing her dissatisfaction?
Her mother's feelings about the homemade clothing
What does Maleeka recall that prompts her to examine herself in a mirror?
Advice from her father about self-perception
What contributes to Maleeka's financial instability?
Household repairs and her lottery dreams
What does Maleeka struggle with in her relationship with her mother?
Struggling with her mother's homemade clothing
What does Maleeka's mother do after receiving a work bonus?
Allows Maleeka off restriction at home
What does Mr. Pajolli encourage Maleeka about?
To work hard and things will work out
What does Sweets admire about a boy named Larry?
His good looks
What was Maleeka's behavior during the school interview?
Nervous and frozen
What does Maleeka's friend Sweets feel confident about?
Her place in the fancy school
What does Maleeka's mother only let her off restriction at home for?
Starting a new job
What does Maleeka consider doing in response to her job in the office?
Quitting her job
What does Maleeka recall freezing during?
An interview at a fancy school
What does Maleeka's mother appreciate about Miss Saunders?
Her concern for Maleeka
What do teachers express concern about regarding Miss Saunders?
Her teaching methods
What does Maleeka's mother's new job lead to?
Maleeka being let off restriction at home
What does Maleeka's friend Sweets feel confident about?
Her place in the fancy school
What does Maleeka consider doing instead of going to class?
Skipping class to read a book
Why does Maleeka feel compelled to wear her own clothes to school?
She didn't give Char her social studies homework
What does Maleeka do while deciding whether to skip class?
Reads 'Life of a Slave Girl' for five minutes
What is Maleeka's opinion about the clothes Char gave her?
She finds them wrinkled and unappealing
What is the protagonist's primary source of financial support after her father's death?
Social Security and savings
What job does the protagonist have at the school?
Office assistant
How do most teachers feel about Miss Saunders' presence at the school?
Resentful
What is Miss Saunders' previous career before transitioning to teaching?
Business owner
What aspect of her previous job does Miss Saunders express she won't miss?
The material aspects
Who is the only teacher who seems to like Miss Saunders?
Tai
What causes tension among the staff at the school?
Miss Saunders' relationship with the principal
What does the protagonist find boring about her job at the school office?
Filing paperwork
What does Miss Saunders affirm her commitment to?
Teaching
What do most teachers feel towards Miss Saunders?
Resentment
What is the protagonist's primary struggle at school?
Behavior and friendship
What does Miss Saunders express she won't miss from her previous career?
The material aspects
What sparks a debate in the classroom?
Jerimey expressing the importance of self-love and care
What leads to mixed reactions from the class?
Desda sharing a personal story about her mother's struggle with grief
What draws attention away from the lesson?
John-John and Jerimey engaging in a heated exchange
What continues to disrupt the lesson despite Miss Saunders' attempts to refocus?
The students' personal conflicts
What reveals the students' varying attitudes towards love, sacrifice, and self-worth?
The dialogue becoming emotionally charged
What causes tension in the classroom?
Miss Saunders erasing a drawing on the blackboard
What brings personal experiences and opinions into the conversation?
The class dynamics shifting
What elicits mixed reactions from the class?
Desda sharing a personal story about her mother's struggle with grief
What becomes contentious as different perspectives are shared?
The discussion on love and sacrifice
What reveals the complexity of personal experiences and perspectives within the classroom dynamic?
The dialogue becoming emotionally charged
What causes the classroom atmosphere to become tense?
The students expressing conflicting views on love and self-worth
What shifts the class dynamics?
Personal experiences and opinions being brought into the conversation
What is the primary reason for John-John's hatred towards Maleeka?
Maleeka refused to sit next to John-John in second grade
Why does Maleeka feel misunderstood in the classroom?
Miss Saunders arrives late and shares irrelevant personal details
What does John-John imply when he mocks Maleeka's situation?
Caleb won't want anything to do with Maleeka now
Why does Maleeka realize that John-John is jealous of her?
John-John mocks Maleeka's struggles and situation
What does Maleeka do to avoid embarrassment in the classroom?
Pretends to have read the assigned material
What is the primary reason for the frustration among the students in the classroom?
Miss Saunders fails to notice the writing on the blackboard
What does Maleeka reveal to John-John about her struggles?
Failing classes and borrowing clothes to fit in
Why does John-John accuse Maleeka of thinking she's better than him?
Maleeka refused to sit next to John-John in second grade
What is the impact of Miss Saunders' unpreparedness on the class?
Frustration and lack of focus among the students
What does John-John deny when confronted by Maleeka?
His hatred towards her
What does Maleeka argue in response to John-John's accusations?
She didn't know Caleb back then
What does Maleeka realize about John-John's behavior towards her?
He is unjustifiably hateful
What does Miss Carol inform Mr. Pajolli about?
Parent complaints regarding excessive homework and reading
Who challenges authority and flirts with Mr. Pajolli?
Charlese
What does Mr. Pajolli suggest about Charlese's math teacher, Tai?
Engaging and effective in her teaching style
Who encourages Maleeka to maintain her academic performance?
Tai
What does Maleeka secretly write in her diary?
A narrative expressing determination and resilience
What prompts Maleeka to avoid doing chores at home?
To work on her homework and visit Charlese
What does Maleeka express concern about regarding Charlese's behavior?
Influenced by her sister Juju
What does the narrative provide insight into?
The characters' interactions and the dynamics within the school environment
Who seeks assistance from Maleeka in the school office?
Desda and Charlese
Who confronts Charlese about overdue library and math books?
Mr. Pajolli
What does Maleeka avoid doing at home to focus on her homework?
Chores
What does Charlese express interest in working in?
The school office
What does Charlese do when she sees Worm approaching her?
She yanks his arm off her shoulder
What does Maleeka do when Char asks her what she's up to?
She lies and says she's just relaxing
What does Charlese say about hanging out in the bathroom?
It is a place for party time
What is Maleeka's initial response to Charlese's question about being a slave or a master?
She considers saying she would never speak to Char again
What does Maleeka struggle with in her relationship with Caleb?
Caleb's failure to defend her against racial teasing
Who separates Maleeka and Caleb in detention?
Miss Birdy
What does Maleeka overhear Miss Saunders and another student discussing?
A school play
What is the perspective from which the text is written?
Maleeka's perspective
What chapter of the book is the text from?
Chapter 20
What issues does the story explore?
Issues of forgiveness and complicated relationships
Who asks Maleeka to stay after school to discuss her diary?
Miss Saunders
Where does Maleeka arrive late to meet Miss Saunders?
The auditorium
What does Maleeka feel in the auditorium?
Agitated and uncomfortable
What does the text primarily explore?
Issues of forgiveness and complicated relationships
What does Maleeka struggle with regarding Caleb?
Forgiving him
What does Maleeka feel conflicted about regarding Caleb?
Forgiving him
What does Maleeka decide to do after her conversation with Miss Saunders?
Enter a writing contest at the library
What does Maleeka rewrite for the contest?
Her diary entry about Akeelma
What does Maleeka stay up late to do?
Finish rewriting her writing for the contest
What does Maleeka's conversation with her mother revolve around?
Her father's writing and a potential poem about her
What does Miss Saunders discuss with Maleeka?
Her diary and praises her writing
What does Maleeka confront Miss Saunders about?
Being teased and asserts her self-worth
What does Maleeka ask Miss Saunders about?
Her friends and her friendship with Tai
What does Maleeka's diary entry revolve around?
Akeelma and her conversation with her mother about writing
What does Maleeka tell Miss Saunders she doesn't know what to do with?
Her writing
What does Miss Saunders acknowledge about Maleeka?
Her good points and writing abilities
What does Miss Saunders question Maleeka about?
Discussing a conversation with Tai
What does Maleeka's mother discuss with her?
Her father's writing and a potential poem about her
What is the setting of the detention room described as?
Damp, cramped, and hot
Who are the classmates bullying Maleeka?
Char, Raina, and Raise
Who enters the detention room and sits near Maleeka?
Caleb
What does Miss Saunders single out Maleeka for?
A lecture about choosing her friends better and being a good student
What do Miss Carol and Maxine's actions suggest?
Favoritism or bias
What does Akeelma's diary entry reveal her longing for?
The sun
What does the text capture about the treatment Maleeka experiences?
Oppressive and unjust
What does the detention room symbolize?
The oppressive and unjust environment Maleeka is in
What does the narrative shed light on?
The challenges of bullying and unfair treatment
What does the toxic social dynamics and oppressive environment within the school paint a vivid picture of?
The oppressive environment within the school
What does Caleb mention about his detention?
Mr. P. put him in detention
What does Maleeka hope for while in the detention room?
The sun
What does Tai advise Miss Saunders against doing?
Failing students and discouraging them
What personal struggle does Miss Saunders acknowledge facing?
Pressure she puts on herself to excel
What does Tai advise Maleeka on after catching her eavesdropping?
The importance of respecting others' privacy
What pattern does Miss Saunders indicate by asking Maleeka to stay after school?
A pattern of making students stay late for her
What discrepancy do Tai and Miss Saunders discuss?
Enthusiasm of students and their poor test-taking skills
What does Miss Saunders insist on despite the challenges she faces?
Maintaining standards and believing students will thank her later
What does Miss Saunders express frustration about?
The lack of help in moving items for her class
What does Tai express admiration for regarding Miss Saunders?
Her methods to keep students engaged
What does Tai emphasize about Miss Saunders?
Her value as a teacher
What does Miss Saunders catch Maleeka doing?
Eavesdropping on their conversation
What does Tai encourage Miss Saunders not to let ruin her?
The need for perfection
What does Miss Saunders reveal about her seventh graders?
Half of them are failing
What causes Maleeka to run out of the building?
The janitor yelling her name
What interrupts Maleeka's attempt to unlock the door?
The neighbor's dogs barking
What causes Maleeka to fall down and bust open her knee?
Running down the steps
What motivates Char to be the first to run out of the building?
Spotting the janitor
What does the protagonist do when she encounters John-John being attacked by a group of boys?
She intervenes and fights off the boys to protect John-John
What does the protagonist do in exchange for Char's promise of better clothes?
Agrees not to tell about losing the money
How does the protagonist feel after the incident with the group of boys?
Shaken and scared
What does the protagonist do when feeling pressured by the situation involving Char?
Rips out an optimistic entry from her diary
How does the protagonist view Char in the situation involving the lost money?
Reliable and trustworthy
What ultimately saves the protagonist from the overwhelming situation with the group of boys?
The intervention of some adults
What does the protagonist's action of fighting off the boys demonstrate?
Courage and a sense of justice
What does the protagonist promise Char in exchange for not revealing the lost money?
Better clothes
What does the protagonist feel about the lack of help from others during the incident with the boys?
Abandonment and disappointment
What does the protagonist do when she encounters John-John being taunted by a group of boys?
Intervenes and fights off the boys
How does the protagonist feel after the incident with the group of boys?
Shaken and scared
What does the protagonist do when feeling pressured by the situation involving Char?
Rips out an optimistic entry from her diary
What does the protagonist do after setting fire to a classroom?
She sneaks back into her house and worries about her mom finding out
What does the protagonist's friend Charlese offer her?
Payment if she completes seventh grade
What does the protagonist's mom expect her to do to make amends for her actions?
Come up with $2000 to pay for the damages caused
What does the protagonist's mom want her to understand?
Her worth and take responsibility for her actions
What does the protagonist's friend Charlese face at school?
Expulsion and involvement in risky behavior
What does the protagonist feel torn between?
Loyalty to her friend and the consequences of her actions
What does the protagonist's mom want her to do regarding her actions?
Take responsibility and learn from the situation
What does the protagonist consider doing to earn money?
Making money through some means
What does Miss Jackson almost do?
Reveal the protagonist's secret but the protagonist manages to cover it up
How does the protagonist feel about the punishment from her mom?
Guilty and apologetic
What does the mom expect the protagonist to come up with?
$2000 to pay for the damages caused by her actions
What does the mom want the protagonist to do to make amends?
Understand her worth and take responsibility for her actions
What does Maleeka admit to Miss Saunders?
She did it for money
Who does Maleeka accuse of being involved in the classroom incident?
Charlese
What is Maleeka's reaction to Char's threats?
Trapped and scared
What is Char's consequence for her behavior?
Sent to live with her grandparents
How does Maleeka feel about Mr. Pajolli ending her office job?
Conflicted
What does Caleb give Maleeka?
A letter containing a poem
How does Maleeka's mother feel about her stock market investments?
Hopeful
What does Char pressure Maleeka not to do?
Reveal the truth
Who is supportive and urges Maleeka to speak her mind?
Miss Saunders
Who threatens Maleeka, making her feel trapped and scared?
Char
Who ends up living with her grandparents as a consequence of her behavior?
Char
What does Miss Saunders confront Maleeka about?
Rumors of her involvement in destroying the classroom
What does Char offer Maleeka in exchange for her silence?
Money
What does Char reveal about Maleeka, causing her to fear expulsion and isolation?
She framed Maleeka for theft
Who arrives at Maleeka's house and accuses her of theft?
Miss Saunders
What does Maleeka's mother do when Miss Saunders accuses Maleeka of theft?
Intervenes and invites Miss Saunders inside
What does the chapter end with, as Miss Saunders confronts Maleeka and her mother tries to shield her from the situation?
A sense of apprehension
What does Maleeka struggle with the decision of whether to do?
Tell on Char
What does Maleeka receive a congratulatory letter for winning?
A writing contest
What does Maleeka's mother do after Maleeka receives the congratulatory letter?
Frame and hang the letter in her room
What does the text capture the complexities of in Maleeka's life?
Her struggles with self-worth
What does Maleeka feel towards Caleb for coming to aid John-John despite his previous taunts about her skin color?
Grateful
What does Char do to retaliate after Maleeka decides to tell on her?
Reveals that she framed Maleeka for theft
What does Maleeka's mother do after Maleeka tells her about the incident involving Char?
Feel guilt and anxiety about the situation
Study Notes
Miss Saunders's Class and Charlese's New Look
- Miss Saunders encourages self-acceptance and confidence, sharing her own self-perception and background in advertising.
- Miss Saunders initiates a surprise test to evaluate the students' knowledge and abilities, with no impact on grades.
- Momma takes the protagonist shopping after receiving a work bonus, allowing her to buy new clothes.
- The protagonist's new look draws attention at school, with Charlese making a negative comment upon seeing her.
- In Miss Saunders's class, the students are paired up for an assignment, and Charlese tries to manipulate the pairing but is thwarted by Miss Saunders.
- Desda, a talented cook, struggles with reading and is set to receive tutoring from Miss Saunders.
- Miss Saunders assigns the class to write a diary from the perspective of a teenager in the seventeenth century to foster empathy and imagination.
- John-John questions the assignment, and Miss Saunders explains its purpose as an exercise in writing and imagination.
- The protagonist observes Desda's enthusiasm for the assignment but initially remains silent.
- The chapter provides insight into the protagonist's evolving self-image and dynamics within Miss Saunders's class.
- Miss Saunders's teaching approach and the students' reactions to her assignments are highlighted.
- The text offers a glimpse into the protagonist's changing relationships with her peers and her mother's impact on her life.
Maleeka's struggles and friendships
- Maleeka's mother appreciates the concern shown by her teacher, Miss Saunders, who is wealthy and has given up a good job to come to McClenton
- Maleeka is forced to work in the office as a punishment and decides to investigate Miss Saunders
- Maleeka overhears teachers complaining about Miss Saunders, expressing concern about her teaching methods
- Maleeka eavesdrops on the teachers' conversation while working in the office
- Mr. Mac and Miss Benson are critical of Miss Saunders, and Maleeka tries to eavesdrop on their conversation
- Mr. Pajolli encourages Maleeka, telling her things will work out if she tries hard enough
- Maleeka considers ways to quit her job in the office
- Maleeka's mother only lets her off restriction at home because she has started a new job
- Maleeka's friend Sweets visits, and they talk about boys and school
- Sweets admires a boy named Larry, and Maleeka recalls freezing during an interview at a fancy school
- Maleeka's mother was embarrassed by Maleeka's behavior during the school interview
- Sweets and Maleeka have been best friends since kindergarten, and Sweets is confident about her place in the fancy school
A Day in the School Office
- Miss Benson and Mr. Pajolli discuss a disruptive student, referred to as "she," who challenges the status quo
- Miss Carol informs Mr. Pajolli about parent complaints regarding excessive homework and reading
- Desda and Charlese seek assistance from Maleeka in the school office
- Charlese challenges authority and flirts with Mr. Pajolli, expressing interest in working in the office
- Mr. Pajolli confronts Charlese about overdue library and math books, prompting her to leave for class
- Mr. Pajolli suggests that Charlese's math teacher, Tai, is engaging and effective in her teaching style
- Tai encourages Maleeka to maintain her academic performance, despite her new office responsibilities
- Maleeka secretly writes a narrative in her diary, expressing determination and resilience
- Maleeka avoids doing chores at home to work on her homework and visit Charlese
- Maleeka expresses concern about Charlese's freedom and behavior, influenced by her sister Juju
- The text is an excerpt from a book, depicting a day in the life of Maleeka, a student dealing with academic and personal challenges
- The narrative provides insight into the characters' interactions and the dynamics within the school environment
Teacher-Student Dynamics and Personal Struggles
- Miss Saunders expresses frustration about the lack of help in moving items for her class and thanks Tai for assistance
- Tai expresses admiration for Miss Saunders' methods to keep students engaged
- Miss Saunders reveals that half of her seventh graders are failing
- Tai and Miss Saunders discuss the discrepancy between students' enthusiasm and poor test-taking skills
- Tai encourages Miss Saunders to not discourage students by failing them and to help them improve their test-taking abilities
- Miss Saunders insists on maintaining standards and believes the students will thank her later
- Miss Saunders acknowledges the challenges she faces due to personal appearance and the pressure she puts on herself to excel
- Tai advises Miss Saunders to not let the need for perfection ruin her, emphasizing her value as a teacher
- Miss Saunders catches Maleeka eavesdropping on their conversation and gets upset
- Tai remains calm and advises Maleeka on the importance of respecting others' privacy
- Maleeka refrains from sharing what she overheard with her friend Char, who is struggling in Miss Saunders' class
- Miss Saunders asks Maleeka to stay after school, indicating a pattern of making students stay late for her
The Skin I'm In: Facing Adversity and Making Tough Choices
- Maleeka encounters a group of people, including Caleb and his mother, who come to aid John-John after he was beaten up
- Maleeka feels grateful for Caleb's help and for being able to assist John-John despite his previous taunts about her skin color
- Maleeka's mother is concerned and supportive, making her tell the story of what happened multiple times before allowing her to retreat to her room
- Maleeka receives a congratulatory letter from the library for winning a writing contest, causing her and her mother to tear up, missing her absent father
- Maleeka and her mother frame the letter and hang it in her room, next to her father's poem
- Maleeka struggles with the decision of whether to tell on Char, who has threatened her, or keep quiet
- Char offers her money to stay silent, but Maleeka ultimately decides to tell on her for the incident involving the fire
- Char, however, retaliates by revealing that she framed Maleeka for theft, causing Maleeka to fear expulsion and isolation
- Miss Saunders arrives at Maleeka's house, accusing her of theft, and Maleeka's mother intervenes, inviting Miss Saunders inside
- Maleeka's mother tries to protect her, and Maleeka feels guilt and anxiety about the situation
- The chapter ends with a sense of apprehension as Miss Saunders confronts Maleeka, and her mother tries to shield her from the situation
- The text captures the complexities of Maleeka's life, including her struggles with self-worth, difficult choices, and the impact of her peers' actions on her future
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