But I can't get my head around algebra. I knew why I had to memorize my multiplication tables. Understanding fractions, and decimals, and percentages, and even geometry—all that was practical. Toolz eye kan youz. It made so much sense I never thought about it. I did the work. Made honor roll.

Siobhan: "She's creepy. What's wrong with her lips? It looks like she's got a disease or something."

Glenn, Wendy J. (2009). Laurie Halse Anderson: Speaking in Tongues (36thed.). Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-81-087281-3 . Retrieved December 9, 2022.

On a positive note, Melinda is inspired by the fractured work of Pablo Picasso in art class. One day when she needs a ride to meet her mother, Mr. Freeman drives her, and tells her that she needs to use her tree to express her emotions. She also actually studies for a biology test about seeds, even though she is increasingly depressed by her friendlessness. After sleeping too long in her janitor’s close, Melinda catches the final seconds of a winning basketball game. In the happy hubbub afterwards, David Petrakis asks her to come over to his house for pizza, but she panics and declines. I want to wrap Melinda in a big, fresh out of the dryer blanket & spoon feed her chocolate ice cream while we watch The Princess Bride because she needs a friend who would do that for her!!

Librarian: "Calm down, calm down. It's OK. Don't get upset. You are Melinda Sordino, right? Don't worry. I'll mark you present. Let me show you how it works. If you think you're going to be late, just ask a teacher for a late pass. See? No need for tears." Heather joins the Marthas, a preppy clique dedicated to community service. Although Melinda helps Heather with Martha duties, the other girls make fun of her lips, causing Melinda to cry in a bathroom. Even worse, Melinda sees a male student she calls IT in the hallway. She freezes, describing him as “my nightmare.” Free Book Offer soon to History Book Club members - stay tuned for details - North America offering - "for HBC members only" It happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding.” Forge". Madwomanintheforest.com. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012 . Retrieved May 17, 2012.