The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake Comprehension Questions

Miss Saunders is a new teacher at the narrator's school. She is described as tall, fat, with small feet, and a giant white stain spread halfway across her face.

The narrator feels a bad feeling about Miss Saunders and thinks she is somebody to stay clear of. The narrator believes that Miss Saunders is a freak like him and worries that the teasing he faces will be worse for her as a new teacher.

The narrator tries not to stare and doesn't look up when Miss Saunders comes up to him, treating her like an information center.

<p>The narrator feels troubled about attracting strange characters and worries about fitting in at school. He spends a lot of time trying to fit in at McClenton Middle School and is determined not to let anyone, especially no teacher, ruin it for him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders is a new teacher who confronts Charlese about her disrespectful behavior in school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They often resort to selling expensive items at low prices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai, another teacher, interrupts Miss Saunders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They gather to talk and smoke.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka used to be a good student until she started hanging out with Caleb.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They made fun of her appearance and her clothes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They made derogatory comments about Miss Saunders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Clothes to wear.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Caleb is the smartest boy in school who showed interest in Maleeka and caused her to be bullied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They gather to talk and smoke.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The motivation for teaching at the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese makes a rude comment about Miss Saunders' face.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>John-John McIntyre</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese lending her clothes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By publicly demanding back the clothes she lent Maleeka</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To stand up for herself</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese and Worm</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She disrespects Miss Saunders</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Worm tries to calm Charlese down</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her rebellious nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She encounters a new English teacher and a bully</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ridicule for her homemade clothes and tall, skinny appearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She decides she deserves better treatment and vows to stand up for herself</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char agrees to protect Maleeka from bullies in exchange for Maleeka doing her homework.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels conflicted as Char provides her with expensive clothes but also emotionally abuses her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka faces public humiliation in class when asked about the message her face conveys to the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Malcolm humorously claims his face shows that he is 'the doctor of love'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>John-John believes his face conveys a message of toughness and demands respect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders shares her personal experience of facing judgment due to her appearance, which prompts the students to express curiosity and empathy towards her story.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the journey to discovering one's true identity to the students.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The chapter delves into the themes of bullying, self-image, and the search for self-acceptance among the characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka experiences severe bullying during a class trip to Washington, D.C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka exchanges doing her homework for Char's protection from bullies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders, the teacher, challenges the students to express what their faces communicate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders's openness prompts the students to ask her questions and examine her face.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders encourages self-acceptance and confidence, and shares her own self-perception and background in advertising</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders initiates a surprise test to evaluate the students' knowledge and abilities, with no impact on grades</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist goes shopping with Momma after receiving a work bonus, and buys new clothes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese makes a negative comment upon seeing the protagonist's new look</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese tries to manipulate the pairing of students for an assignment, but is thwarted by Miss Saunders</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desda, a talented cook, is struggling with reading and is set to receive tutoring from Miss Saunders</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders assigns the class to write a diary from the perspective of a teenager in the seventeenth century to foster empathy and imagination</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>John-John questions the assignment, and Miss Saunders explains its purpose as an exercise in writing and imagination</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist observes Desda's enthusiasm for the assignment but initially remains silent</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The chapter provides insight into the protagonist's evolving self-image and dynamics within Miss Saunders's class. It also highlights Miss Saunders's teaching approach and the students' reactions to her assignments</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text offers a glimpse into the protagonist's changing relationships with her peers and her mother's impact on her life</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka has been assigned to work in the school office, filing papers and stapling letters, and she feels negatively about it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka overhears Miss Saunders mentioning that she has more potential than she's letting on, and Miss Saunders believes the school needs a better way to keep up with her so she doesn't fall through the cracks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels that Miss Saunders is a big mouth, bossy person who likes to throw her weight around, and she tries to tell her mother that Miss Saunders doesn't know what she's doing and that she isn't even a real teacher.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's punishment includes no television, telephone, or hanging out with friends for three weeks. The principal, Miss Saunders, and her mother came up with the idea for this punishment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka initially receives positive attention and encouragement from the women in a beauty supply store. However, she faces negative reactions from her peers at school, leading her to feel self-conscious and ultimately cry in the bathroom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The unreliable alarm clock in Maleeka's home causes her to be frequently late for school. This affects her punctuality and attendance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka struggles with her mother's homemade clothing and tries to avoid hurting her feelings by not expressing her dissatisfaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's mother is hopeful about their financial future through stock market investments, but their financial situation is unstable due to household repairs and her lottery dreams.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka recalls advice from her father about self-perception, which prompts her to examine herself in a mirror and regain composure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka faces challenges such as negative reactions to her new haircut, punctuality issues due to an unreliable alarm clock, struggles with her mother's homemade clothing, and unstable financial situations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka initially receives positive attention for her new haircut, but faces negative reactions at school, leading her to feel self-conscious and ultimately cry. However, recalling her father's advice helps her regain composure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's mother's hopes for financial stability through stock market investments are contrasted with the unstable financial situation they face due to household repairs and her lottery dreams, impacting their family life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka initially receives positive attention and encouragement from the women in a beauty supply store, but faces negative reactions from her peers at school, leading to self-consciousness and emotional distress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka recalls advice from her father about self-perception, which prompts her to examine herself in a mirror and regain composure, influencing her emotional state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The unreliable alarm clock in Maleeka's home causes her to be frequently late for school, impacting her daily routine and punctuality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka struggles with her mother's homemade clothing and tries to avoid hurting her feelings by not expressing her dissatisfaction, affecting her emotional state and family dynamics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The setting of the story is McClenton Middle School.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrator faces social and food-related challenges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese is the narrator's friend who has a confrontation with the lunch ladies at school over the quality of the food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story highlights themes of resilience, friendship, and the sometimes difficult realities of school life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She is resilient and always looking for ways to make money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She is resilient and always looking for ways to make money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story provides insight into the dynamics of friendship and the struggles of growing up in a challenging environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrator tries to help Charlese get a replacement for her tampered food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrator goes to sit with another friend, Desda.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrator's mother uses a lot of salad oil, which can be messy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text is written in the first person, from the perspective of the narrator, a middle school student.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrator's mother is perceived as eccentric by others, but she is actually very intelligent and good with numbers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's motivation for cutting her hair short was to change how people perceive her and to gain acceptance and approval from others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's friend, Sweets, helped her find a hairdresser named Ronnie. Ronnie agreed to cut Maleeka's hair in exchange for work and a note from her mother.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka was pleased with her new hairstyle. Ronnie emphasized the importance of attitude and confidence in wearing the new hairstyle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's transformation symbolized her desire for acceptance and a new identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's decision to change her appearance reflects her struggle for self-acceptance and societal approval.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's new look boosted her confidence as it was praised by other hairdressers and customers at the salon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's transformation highlights the impact of self-image and societal beauty standards on young girls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ronnie was the hairdresser who used a texturizer on Maleeka's hair to create tiny curls and gave her a short, stylish cut.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's father's death and teasing from other kids about her skin color were the reasons for her self-consciousness about her appearance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sweets helped Maleeka find a hairdresser, Ronnie, and arranged for the haircut in exchange for work and a note from her mother.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka kept her true motivation for the haircut a secret from Sweets and her mother.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka sought to gain acceptance and approval from others through her new look.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka overhears teachers complaining about Miss Saunders' methods and the program she is implementing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Mac catches Maleeka eavesdropping and reprimands her for not focusing on her work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sweets comes over to Maleeka's house and hogs the phone, talking to a boy named Larry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka describes the girls at the prestigious school as different from her, with long, straight hair and lighter skin, and she feels out of place and uncomfortable around them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sweets reassures Maleeka that skin color doesn't matter and that it's about how one feels about themselves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's mother only allows her to be off restriction at home because she has started a new job, but Maleeka is relieved to have some freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Pajolli tries to reassure Maleeka and encourages her to work hard, but she is determined to find a way to quit her job.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka is reluctant to work in the office at school, and plans to find out more about Miss Saunders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka tries to get information about Miss Saunders from the secretary, Miss Carol, but is shut down.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's mother appreciates Miss Saunders' concern for Maleeka's well-being and wonders why someone with Miss Saunders' wealth and a good job would come to McClenton.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka reluctantly agrees to work in the office and plans to find out more about Miss Saunders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka is caught eavesdropping by Mr. Mac and is reprimanded for not focusing on her work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese uses punishment and rewards to control Maleeka, dictating her actions and appearance. She withholds clothes as punishment for not doing her homework and expects compliance with her demands through coercion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The book 'Life of a Slave Girl' evokes emotional and thought-provoking responses from Maleeka. It leads her to consider skipping class to continue reading, showcasing the profound impact of literature on her decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka grapples with the decision to skip class to read the book she finds compelling, highlighting her desire for intellectual stimulation. However, her sense of duty and responsibility compel her to consider attending class, showcasing her internal conflict.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka demonstrates resilience by persevering through challenges such as her clothing situation and her internal struggle about attending class. Her determination to navigate difficult circumstances reflects her strength and resilience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels ashamed of her association with Akeelma, a girl who writes disturbing letters, and John-John bullies Maleeka about her new clothes and accuses her of thinking she's better than him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka confronts John-John about his hatred towards her, which he denies, and claims that Maleeka thought she was better than him ever since she refused to sit next to him in second grade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka reveals her struggles, including failing classes and borrowing clothes to fit in.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>John-John mocks her situation and implies that Caleb won't want anything to do with her now.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka realizes that John-John is jealous of her, but she doesn't understand why.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders arrives late, shares irrelevant personal details, fails to notice the writing on the blackboard, and starts the class without preparation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka and other students pretend to have read the assigned material to avoid embarrassment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels misunderstood and struggles to navigate the challenges of school and social dynamics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>engaging and effective in her teaching style</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a narrative</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the characters' interactions and the dynamics within the school environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a book depicting a day in the life of Maleeka, a student dealing with academic and personal challenges</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>chores</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>her sister Juju</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the status quo</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desda and Charlese</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>excessive homework and reading</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mr. Pajolli confronting her about overdue library and math books</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders erasing a drawing of a woman's face on the blackboard titled 'THE TEACHER WITH TWO FACES'</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The topic of self-love</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jerimey</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>John-John and Jerimey</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her mother's struggle with grief after her father's death</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The topic of love and sacrifice</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Personal experiences and opinions brought into the conversation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The students' personal conflicts</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Desda's story about her mother's grief</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The varying attitudes towards love, sacrifice, and self-worth</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The complexity of personal experiences and perspectives on love and self-worth</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They have lived off his Social Security and savings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her behavior at school and her friendship with Char.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She finds it boring and wants to have fun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders, her teacher.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her desire to teach and her decision to leave the business world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most resent her, except for Tai who seems to be the only one who likes her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tension, with suspicions about her motives and her relationship with the principal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her future plans and whether she will miss the money from her previous career.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She affirms her commitment to teaching and expresses that she won't miss the material aspects of her previous job.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some speculate about her intentions and her relationship with the principal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her previous career and her decision to transition to teaching.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char asks the protagonist if she is going to be a slave or her own master. The protagonist wants to respond that if she was her own master, she wouldn't ever speak to Char again, but instead, she just tells Char she'll see her later.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char yanks Worm's arm off of her as if he's got body odor. This reveals that Char is &quot;sometimey&quot; and has a fickle behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist puts all the stuff about Akeelma, Miss Saunders, and the office out of her head when she enters the bathroom. The atmosphere in the bathroom is described as party time, and Char likes to say it's more fun than stapling papers in the school office.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist finds herself reading one of Akeelma's letters in the bathroom. When Char asks what she's up to, the protagonist does not respond in the text.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders wears a blue suit with gold buttons and is praised by Maleeka for her writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders asks Maleeka if she told anyone about their conversation with Tai</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders doesn't have personal pictures on her desk</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka enters a writing contest at the library and rewrites Akeelma's story for the contest</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka's mother praises her writing skills and suggests a poem may be in a box in her closet</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text captures the oppressive and unjust treatment Maleeka experiences both from her peers and authority figures at school, shedding light on the challenges of bullying, unfair treatment, and the desire for freedom and sunlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The setting of the detention room and Akeelma's longing for the sun symbolize the oppressive and unjust environment Maleeka is in, painting a vivid picture of the toxic social dynamics and the oppressive environment within the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text paints a vivid picture of the toxic social dynamics and the oppressive environment within the school, capturing the oppressive and unjust treatment Maleeka experiences both from her peers and authority figures at school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Caleb, a former class president, entering the detention room and sitting near Maleeka, despite her hoping he would sit elsewhere, highlights the dynamics and interactions within the school environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Akeelma's diary entry reveals her longing for the sun while she is in a detention room next to the boiler room, describing the detention room as damp, cramped, and hot, capturing Maleeka's emotions and the physical environment she is in.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders singles out Maleeka for a lecture about choosing her friends better and being a good student, suggesting a biased or unfair treatment of Maleeka by the school's authority figures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrative sheds light on the challenges of bullying, unfair treatment, and the desire for freedom and sunlight, providing insight into the difficulties Maleeka encounters at school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka being bullied by her classmates, Char, Raina, and Raise, who mock her appearance and treat her poorly, highlights the toxic social dynamics and oppressive environment within the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text captures the oppressive and unjust treatment Maleeka experiences both from her peers and authority figures at school, painting a vivid picture of the toxic social dynamics and the oppressive environment within the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text highlights themes of bullying, unfair treatment, oppressive social dynamics, and the desire for freedom and sunlight through Maleeka's experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The narrative sheds light on the challenges of bullying, unfair treatment, and the desire for freedom and sunlight, capturing the dynamics and impact of bullying and unfair treatment in the school environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text paints a vivid picture of the toxic social dynamics and the oppressive environment within the school, shedding light on the challenges of bullying, unfair treatment, and the desire for freedom and sunlight.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The story explores issues of forgiveness and complicated relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Caleb is involved in community service and volunteering activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Birdy separates Maleeka and Caleb in detention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text is written from Maleeka's perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka arrives late to meet Miss Saunders in the auditorium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka overhears Miss Saunders and another student discussing a school play.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text is from Chapter 20 of the book.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Caleb claims to have cleaned the boys' bathroom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels conflicted about forgiving Caleb for not defending her against racial teasing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka is attracted to Caleb but struggles with forgiving him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders asks Maleeka to stay after school to discuss her diary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels agitated and uncomfortable in the auditorium at the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders insists on maintaining standards and believes the students will thank her later.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai encourages Miss Saunders to not discourage students by failing them and to help them improve their test-taking abilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders acknowledges the challenges she faces due to personal appearance and the pressure she puts on herself to excel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai remains calm and advises Maleeka on the importance of respecting others' privacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders indicates a pattern of making students stay late for her by asking Maleeka to stay after school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka refrains from sharing what she overheard with her friend Char, who is struggling in Miss Saunders' class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai advises Miss Saunders to not let the need for perfection ruin her, emphasizing her value as a teacher.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai expresses admiration for Miss Saunders' methods to keep students engaged.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders expresses frustration about the lack of help in moving items for her class and thanks Tai for assistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tai and Miss Saunders discuss the discrepancy between students' enthusiasm and poor test-taking skills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders gets upset when she catches Maleeka eavesdropping on their conversation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka refrains from sharing what she overheard with her friend Char, who is struggling in Miss Saunders' class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka is trying to escape from the building as the janitor calls out her name. As she tries to run, she falls down and busts open her knee.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist is described as having shaky hands and feeling scared as she struggles to unlock her door. The environment is tense, with barking dogs and the protagonist's knee still bleeding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Jackson shushes her barking dogs when she notices the protagonist outside her window. The protagonist reacts by keeping real still.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist feels scared and anxious as she tries to find the key to unlock her door. She experiences fear from the barking dogs and is still bleeding from her knee.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her mom finding out about setting fire to a classroom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Jackson.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Severe punishment for the protagonist.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Understand her worth and come up with $2000 to pay for the damages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Charlese.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Completing seventh grade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Torn between loyalty to her friend and the consequences of her actions, leading to internal conflict.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char asks for the protagonist's silence in exchange for better clothes, and the protagonist wants to ask for help paying back the money but doesn't.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist's internal struggle and the lack of help from others highlight the challenges she faces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist's actions demonstrate courage and a sense of justice in protecting John-John.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist encounters John-John, who taunts her about her trouble at school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist intervenes, fighting off the boys to protect John-John.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Despite feeling overwhelmed, the protagonist grabs a switch and fights back until the boys run away.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist feels abandoned by the police.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The intervention of some adults ultimately saves the protagonist.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The incident leaves the protagonist shaken and scared.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist rips out an optimistic entry from her diary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist promises not to tell about Char losing a large sum of money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The protagonist feels pressured by the situation involving Char's request and the money loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka admits to Miss Saunders that she did it for money and feels harassed when pressed for more details.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders and Char confront Maleeka, with Char pressuring her not to reveal the truth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char threatens Maleeka, making her feel trapped and scared.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders remains calm and supportive, urging Maleeka to speak her mind. Char is sent to live with her grandparents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels conflicted about Mr. Pajolli ending her office job. Caleb gives Maleeka a letter with a poem expressing affection and admiration for her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka struggles with the decision of whether to tell on Char, who has threatened her, or keep quiet. She ultimately decides to tell on her for the incident involving the fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char offers her money to stay silent, but Maleeka ultimately decides to tell on her for the incident involving the fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Char retaliates by revealing that she framed Maleeka for theft, causing Maleeka to fear expulsion and isolation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Miss Saunders arrives at Maleeka's house, accusing her of theft, and Maleeka's mother intervenes, inviting Miss Saunders inside.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka feels guilt and anxiety about the situation when her mother tries to protect her from Miss Saunders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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. They frame the letter and hang it in her room, next to her father's poem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The chapter 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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka ultimately decides to tell on Char for the incident involving the fire, despite Char's offer of money to stay silent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The chapter ends with a sense of apprehension as Miss Saunders confronts Maleeka, and her mother tries to shield her from the situation, leaving the reader with a feeling of tension and uncertainty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maleeka ultimately feels a sense of guilt and anxiety about her decision to tell on Char, knowing that it could lead to expulsion and isolation.</p> Signup and view all the answers