Recess and Distress

Concept: Victimization

Quote from Alexander: “discusses how someone took the fun out of reading or writing” (615).

Quote from the narrative: “everyone else was done and they were going out to recess, but not me”

Explaination: Blake felt like he was being punished for his inability to write. His frustration made the situation worse but he blamed his teacher.

Expect the Unexpected

Concept: Literacy Winner

Quote from Alexander: “accounts of winning extrinsic awards” (615).

Quote from the narrative: “no acceptance letter or B minus was going to change that”

Explanation: Hannah felt like she needed a higher grade or an acceptance letter to validate her writing, suggesting that she received those when she was younger.

Passion For Writing

Concept: Rebel

Quote from Alexander: “attacks against established beliefs” (615).

Quote from the narrative: “I understand that this isn’t second grade and I have to force myself to make the topics relatable to get the fullest out of my writing”

Explanation: Sam does not necessarily dislike writing, he just wished that the school system was designed for creativity even as your age goes up.

Turn Around?

Concept: Child Prodigy

Quote from Alexander: “reading and writing from an early age” (615).

Quote from the narrative: “I was always a good little reader and writer in elementary and middle school.I always loved to read with my parents when I was little; picture books were my favorite”

Explanation: Kayla starts her story by telling us that she has always read and plans to keep reading no matter what.