OUTSIDERA N I S S U E F O R E L A G R A D E 6  

What makes someone an outsider?

G R A D E 7   •   E L A U N I T I I   •   O C T O B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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Name: _________________________________ Class: ___________________ Date: ___________________

Outsiders Unit: Graphic Organizer

Text Overview of what makes someone an outsider in this text In the context of this text, what makes someone an outsider?

“The Worst Birthday”

from Harry Potter and

the Chamber of Secrets

Cinderella

The Scholarship Jacket

The Stolen Party

Hello, My Name Is ____

Yul Kwon, From Bullying

Target to Reality TV

Star

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Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly

Girls

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Name: Class:

"Where Has That Boy Got to Now?" by Dennis D is licensed underCC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

“The Worst Birthday” from Harry Potter and theChamber of Secrets

By J.K. Rowling1998

Joanne “Jo” Rowling, pen name J.K. Rowling, is a British novelist, screenwriter, and film producer best knownfor creating the Harry Potter series. The title character, Harry Potter, is an orphan who attends a boardingschool to learn about magic. On his summer vacation, he is forced to live with his non-magical extendedfamily. As you read, take notes on how each character responds to magic.

Not for the first time, an argument had brokenout over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive.Mr. Vernon Dursley had been woken in the earlyhours of the morning by a loud, hooting noisefrom his nephew Harry’s room.

“Third time this week!” he roared across the table.“If you can’t control that owl, it’ll have to go!”

Harry tried, yet again, to explain. “She’s bored,” hesaid. “She’s used to flying around outside. If Icould just let her out at night —”

“Do I look stupid?” snarled Uncle Vernon, a bit offried egg dangling from his bushy mustache. “Iknow what’ll happen if that owl’s let out.”

He exchanged dark looks with his wife, Petunia.

Harry tried to argue back but his words weredrowned by a long, loud belch from the Dursleys’son, Dudley.

“I want more bacon.”

“There’s more in the frying pan, sweetums,” saidAunt Petunia, turning misty eyes on her massive1

son. “We must build you up while we’ve got thechance… I don’t like the sound of that school food…”

“Nonsense, Petunia, I never went hungry when I was at Smeltings,” said Uncle Vernon heartily. “Dudleygets enough, don’t you, son?”

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1. Massive (adjective): enormous

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Dudley, who was so large his bottom drooped over either side of the kitchen chair, grinned and turnedto Harry.

“Pass the frying pan.”

“You’ve forgotten the magic word,” said Harry irritably.

The effect of this simple sentence on the rest of the family was incredible: Dudley gasped and fell offhis chair with a crash that shook the whole kitchen; Mrs. Dursley gave a small scream and clapped herhands to her mouth; Mr. Dursley jumped to his feet, veins throbbing in his temples.

“I meant ‘please’!” said Harry quickly. “I didn’t mean —”

“WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU,” thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, “ABOUT SAYING THE ‘M’WORD IN OUR HOUSE?”

“But I —”

“HOW DARE YOU THREATEN DUDLEY!” roared Uncle Vernon, pounding the table with his fist.

“I just —”

“I WARNED YOU! I WILL NOT TOLERATE MENTION OF YOUR ABNORMALITY UNDER THIS ROOF!”

Harry stared from his purple-faced uncle to his pale aunt, who was trying to heave Dudley to his feet.

“All right,” said Harry, “all right…”

Uncle Vernon sat back down, breathing like a winded rhinoceros and watching Harry closely out of thecorners of his small, sharp eyes.

Ever since Harry had come home for the summer holidays, Uncle Vernon had been treating him like abomb that might go off at any moment, because Harry Potter wasn’t a normal boy. As a matter of fact,he was as not normal as it is possible to be.

Harry Potter was a wizard — a wizard fresh from his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft andWizardry. And if the Dursleys were unhappy to have him back for the holidays, it was nothing to howHarry felt.

He missed Hogwarts so much it was like having a constant stomachache. He missed the castle, with itssecret passageways and ghosts, his classes (though perhaps not Snape, the Potions master), the mailarriving by owl, eating banquets in the Great Hall, sleeping in his four-poster bed in the towerdormitory, visiting the gamekeeper, Hagrid, in his cabin next to the Forbidden Forest in the grounds,and, especially, Quidditch, the most popular sport in the wizarding world (six tall goal posts, four flyingballs, and fourteen players on broomsticks).

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All Harry’s spellbooks, his wand, robes, cauldron, and top-of-the-line Nimbus Two Thousandbroomstick had been locked in a cupboard under the stairs by Uncle Vernon the instant Harry hadcome home. What did the Dursleys care if Harry lost his place on the House Quidditch team becausehe hadn’t practiced all summer? What was it to the Dursleys if Harry went back to school without any ofhis homework done? The Dursleys were what wizards called Muggles (not a drop of magical blood intheir veins), and as far as they were concerned, having a wizard in the family was a matter of deepestshame. Uncle Vernon had even padlocked Harry’s owl, Hedwig, inside her cage, to stop her fromcarrying messages to anyone in the wizarding world.

Harry looked nothing like the rest of the family. Uncle Vernon was large and neckless, with anenormous black mustache; Aunt Petunia was horse-faced and bony; Dudley was blond, pink, andporky. Harry, on the other hand, was small and skinny, with brilliant green eyes and jet-black hair thatwas always untidy. He wore round glasses, and on his forehead was a thin, lightning-shaped scar.

It was this scar that made Harry so particularly unusual, even for a wizard. This scar was the only hintof Harry’s very mysterious past, of the reason he had been left on the Dursleys’ doorstep eleven yearsbefore.

At the age of one year old, Harry had somehow survived a curse from the greatest Dark sorcerer of alltime, Lord Voldemort, whose name most witches and wizards still feared to speak. Harry’s parents haddied in Voldemort’s attack, but Harry had escaped with his lightning scar, and somehow — nobodyunderstood why — Voldemort’s powers had been destroyed the instant he had failed to kill Harry.

So Harry had been brought up by his dead mother’s sister and her husband. He had spent ten yearswith the Dursleys, never understanding why he kept making odd things happen without meaning to,believing the Dursleys’ story that he had got his scar in the car crash that had killed his parents.

And then, exactly a year ago, Hogwarts had written to Harry, and the whole story had come out. Harryhad taken up his place at wizard school, where he and his scar were famous… but now the school yearwas over, and he was back with the Dursleys for the summer, back to being treated like a dog that hadrolled in something smelly.

The Dursleys hadn’t even remembered that today happened to be Harry’s twelfth birthday. Of course,his hopes hadn’t been high; they’d never given him a real present, let alone a cake — but to ignore itcompletely…

At that moment, Uncle Vernon cleared his throat importantly and said, “Now, as we all know, today is avery important day.”

Harry looked up, hardly daring to believe it.

“This could well be the day I make the biggest deal of my career,” said Uncle Vernon.

Harry went back to his toast. Of course, he thought bitterly, Uncle Vernon was talking about the stupiddinner party. He’d been talking of nothing else for two weeks. Some rich builder and his wife werecoming to dinner and Uncle Vernon was hoping to get a huge order from him (Uncle Vernon’s companymade drills).

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“I think we should run through the schedule one more time,” said Uncle Vernon. “We should all be inposition at eight o’clock. Petunia, you will be — ?”

“In the lounge,” said Aunt Petunia promptly, “waiting to welcome them graciously to our home.”

“Good, good. And Dudley?”

“I’ll be waiting to open the door.” Dudley put on a foul, simpering smile. “May I take your coats, Mr. andMrs. Mason?”

“They’ll love him!” cried Aunt Petunia rapturously.2

“Excellent, Dudley,” said Uncle Vernon. Then he rounded on Harry. “And you?”

“I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I’m not there,” said Harry tonelessly.

“Exactly,” said Uncle Vernon nastily. “I will lead them into the lounge, introduce you, Petunia, and pourthem drinks. At eight-fifteen —”

“I’ll announce dinner,” said Aunt Petunia. “And, Dudley, you’ll say —”

“May I take you through to the dining room, Mrs. Mason?” said Dudley, offering his fat arm to aninvisible woman.

“My perfect little gentleman!” sniffed Aunt Petunia.

“And you?” said Uncle Vernon viciously to Harry.

“I’ll be in my room, making no noise and pretending I’m not there,” said Harry dully.

“Precisely. Now, we should aim to get in a few good compliments at dinner. Petunia, any ideas?”

“Vernon tells me you’re a wonderful golfer, Mr. Mason… Do tell me where you bought your dress, Mrs.Mason… ”

“Perfect… Dudley?”

“How about — ‘We had to write an essay about our hero at school, Mr. Mason, and I wrote about you.’”This was too much for both Aunt Petunia and Harry. Aunt Petunia burst into tears and hugged her son,while Harry ducked under the table so they wouldn’t see him laughing.

“And you, boy?” Harry fought to keep his face straight as he emerged. “I’ll be in my room, making nonoise and pretending I’m not there,” he said.

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2. Rapturous (adjective): full of joy

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“Too right, you will,” said Uncle Vernon forcefully. “The Masons don’t know anything about you and it’sgoing to stay that way. When dinner’s over, you take Mrs. Mason back to the lounge for coffee, Petunia,and I’ll bring the subject around to drills. With any luck, I’ll have the deal signed and sealed before thenews at ten. We’ll be shopping for a vacation home in Majorca3 this time tomorrow.”

Harry couldn’t feel too excited about this. He didn’t think the Dursleys would like him any better inMajorca than they did on Privet Drive.

“Right — I’m off into town to pick up the dinner jackets for Dudley and me. And you,” he snarled atHarry. “You stay out of your aunt’s way while she’s cleaning.”

Harry left through the back door. It was a brilliant, sunny day. He crossed the lawn, slumped down onthe garden bench, and sang under his breath:

“Happy birthday to me… happy birthday to me…”

No cards, no presents, and he would be spending the evening pretending not to exist. He gazedmiserably into the hedge. He had never felt so lonely. More than anything else at Hogwarts, more eventhan playing Quidditch, Harry missed his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. They,however, didn’t seem to be missing him at all. Neither of them had written to him all summer, eventhough Ron had said he was going to ask Harry to come and stay.

Countless times, Harry had been on the point of unlocking Hedwig’s cage by magic and sending her toRon and Hermione with a letter, but it wasn’t worth the risk. Underage wizards weren’t allowed to usemagic outside of school. Harry hadn’t told the Dursleys this; he knew it was only their terror that hemight turn them all into dung beetles that stopped them from locking him in the cupboard under thestairs with his wand and broomstick. For the first couple of weeks back, Harry had enjoyed mutteringnonsense words under his breath and watching Dudley tearing out of the room as fast as his fat legswould carry him. But the long silence from Ron and Hermione had made Harry feel so cut off from themagical world that even taunting Dudley had lost its appeal — and now Ron and Hermione hadforgotten his birthday.

What wouldn’t he give now for a message from Hogwarts? From any witch or wizard? He’d almost beglad of a sight of his archenemy, Draco Malfoy, just to be sure it hadn’t all been a dream…

Not that his whole year at Hogwarts had been fun. At the very end of last term, Harry had come face-to-face with none other than Lord Voldemort himself. Voldemort might be a ruin of his former self, buthe was still terrifying, still cunning,4 still determined to regain power. Harry had slipped throughVoldemort’s clutches for a second time, but it had been a narrow escape, and even now, weeks later,Harry kept waking in the night, drenched in cold sweat, wondering where Voldemort was now,remembering his livid5 face, his wide, mad eyes —

Harry suddenly sat bolt upright on the garden bench. He had been staring absent-mindedly into thehedge — and the hedge was staring back. Two enormous green eyes had appeared among the leaves.

Harry jumped to his feet just as a jeering6 voice floated across the lawn.

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3. an island off the coast of Spain and a popular vacation spot4. Cunning (adjective): clever5. Livid (adjective): furiously angry

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“I know what day it is,” sang Dudley, waddling toward him.

The huge eyes blinked and vanished.

“What?” said Harry, not taking his eyes off the spot where they had been.

“I know what day it is,” Dudley repeated, coming right up to him.

“Well done,” said Harry. “So you’ve finally learned the days of the week.”

“Today’s your birthday,” sneered Dudley. “How come you haven’t got any cards? Haven’t you even gotfriends at that freak place?”

“Better not let your mum hear you talking about my school,” said Harry coolly.

Dudley hitched up his trousers, which were slipping down his fat bottom.

“Why’re you staring at the hedge?” he said suspiciously.

“I’m trying to decide what would be the best spell to set it on fire,” said Harry.

Dudley stumbled backward at once, a look of panic on his fat face.

“You c-can’t — Dad told you you’re not to do m-magic — he said he’ll chuck you out of the house — andyou haven’t got anywhere else to go — you haven’t got any friends to take you —”

“Jiggery pokery!” said Harry in a fierce voice. “Hocus pocus — squiggly wiggly —”

“MUUUUUUM!” howled Dudley, tripping over his feet as he dashed back toward the house. “MUUUUM!He’s doing you know what!”

Harry paid dearly for his moment of fun. As neither Dudley nor the hedge was in any way hurt, AuntPetunia knew he hadn’t really done magic, but he still had to duck as she aimed a heavy blow at hishead with the soapy frying pan. Then she gave him work to do, with the promise he wouldn’t eat againuntil he’d finished.

While Dudley lolled around watching and eating ice cream, Harry cleaned the windows, washed the car,mowed the lawn, trimmed the flowerbeds, pruned and watered the roses, and repainted the gardenbench. The sun blazed overhead, burning the back of his neck. Harry knew he shouldn’t have risen toDudley’s bait, but Dudley had said the very thing Harry had been thinking himself… maybe he didn’thave any friends at Hogwarts…

Wish they could see famous Harry Potter now, he thought savagely as he spread manure on the flowerbeds, his back aching, sweat running down his face.

It was half past seven in the evening when at last, exhausted, he heard Aunt Petunia calling him.

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6. Jeer (verb): to mock or taunt

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Copyright © J.K. Rowling 1998

“Get in here! And walk on the newspaper!”

Harry moved gladly into the shade of the gleaming kitchen. On top of the fridge stood tonight’spudding:7 a huge mound of whipped cream and sugared violets. A loin of roast pork was sizzling in theoven.

“Eat quickly! The Masons will be here soon!” snapped Aunt Petunia, pointing to two slices of bread anda lump of cheese on the kitchen table. She was already wearing a salmon-pink cocktail dress.

Harry washed his hands and bolted down his pitiful supper. The moment he had finished, Aunt Petuniawhisked away his plate. “Upstairs! Hurry!”

As he passed the door to the living room, Harry caught a glimpse of Uncle Vernon and Dudley in bowties and dinner jackets. He had only just reached the upstairs landing when the doorbell rang andUncle Vernon’s furious face appeared at the foot of the stairs.

“Remember, boy — one sound —”

Harry crossed to his bedroom on tiptoe, slipped inside, closed the door, and turned to collapse on hisbed.

The trouble was, there was already someone sitting on it.

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7. a British word for dessert

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Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. PART A: What is the central idea of the passage?A. Harry feels alone because his family fears his powers, and he can’t be around

his friends where he feels comfortable expressing himself.B. Harry completes chores for Petunia because he believes that being obedient is

important to supporting a strong and united family.C. Harry behaves and decides not to cast any spells because he cannot use magic

outside of school and he is afraid the Dursleys will find out about his magicalpowers.

D. Harry argues with Uncle Vernon because he believes his uncle's hatred ofpeople who are different is unfair, and he wants his uncle to treat all peoplefairly.

2. PART B: What evidence from the text best supports the answer from Part A?A. “Harry tried to argue back but his words were drowned by a long, loud belch

from the Dursleys’ son, Dudley.” (Paragraph 6)B. “Ever since Harry had come home for the summer holidays, Uncle Vernon had

been treating him like a bomb that might go off at any moment, because HarryPotter wasn’t a normal boy.” (Paragraph 23)

C. “Aunt Petunia knew he hadn’t really done magic, but he still had to duck as sheaimed a heavy blow at his head with the soapy frying pan.” (Paragraph 80)

D. “While Dudley lolled around watching and eating ice cream, Harry cleaned thewindows, washed the car, mowed the lawn, trimmed the flowerbeds, prunedand watered the roses, and repainted the garden bench.” (Paragraph 81)

3. PART A: Which of the following best defines what Uncle Vernon means when he says"abnormality" in Paragraph 19?

A. Harry's evil natureB. Harry's special powersC. Harry's different appearance from the DursleysD. Harry's teasing attitude

4. PART B: What quote from the text best supports this definition?A. “‘HOW DARE YOU THREATEN DUDLEY!’ roared Uncle Vernon, pounding the table

with his fist.” (Paragraph 17)B. “Uncle Vernon sat back down…watching Harry closely out of the corners of his

small, sharp eyes.” (Paragraph 22)C. “Uncle Vernon had been treating him like a bomb that might go off at any

moment” (Paragraph 23)D. “As a matter of fact, he was as not normal as it is possible to be. Harry Potter

was a wizard.” (Paragraphs 23-24)

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5. PART A: How does Harry’s repetition of the phrase “I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noiseand pretending I’m not there” impact the tone of the passage?

A. It shows how much Harry loves sitting in his room all by himself so he canpractice magic.

B. It shows how much the Dursleys love Harry and respect his privacy.C. It highlights the contrast between Harry’s love for quiet time and Dudley’s

hatred of it.D. It highlights the contrast between the Dursley’s excitement for the dinner and

Harry’s loneliness.

6. PART B: Which TWO phrases from the text best support the answer to Part A?A. “Dudley, who was so large his bottom drooped over either side of the kitchen

chair, grinned and turned to Harry.” (Paragraph 10)B. “Uncle Vernon cleared his throat importantly and said, ‘Now, as we all know,

today is a very important day.’” (Paragraph 33)C. “Harry fought to keep his face straight as he emerged” (Paragraph 54)D. “He didn’t think the Dursleys would like him any better in Majorca than they did

on Privet Drive.” (Paragraph 56)E. “he would be spending the evening pretending not to exist... He had never felt

so lonely.” (Paragraph 60)F. “Harry had been on the point of unlocking Hedwig’s cage by magic and sending

her to Ron and Hermione with a letter” (Paragraph 61)

7. Contrast the Dursleys’ perception of magic with Harry’s perception of magic in this passage.Cite examples from the text to support your claim.

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8. How does the point of view contribute to how the events are described in the passage?

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Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. The Dursleys treat Harry very cruelly in regards to his magic. How does fear drive theiractions? How does fear control us, and why might it be hard to be tolerant of others whenafraid?

2. Harry must hide his magical powers from the Dursleys. Have you ever been in a situationwhere you had to hide something about yourself? Is it better to hide your true self aroundpeople who may not accept you or is it better to feel comfortable to be yourself?

3. Harry is treated differently from Dudley in the Dursley household. What message do youthink the author wants to convey about what is fair? Is it fair that Harry is punished when hethreatens Dudley with magic? Describe a time when you have been treated unfairly in yourown life.

4. Harry spends his summer surrounded by family, yet his magic isolates him. In the contextof the passage, what does it mean to feel alone?

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Name: Class:

"1920s-Cinderella" by clotho98 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

CinderellaBy Charles Perrault

1697

French author Charles Perrault is often called the “father of the fairy tale” for his well known tales such as“Little Red Riding Hood,” “Puss in Boots,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Cinderella.” Cinderella is a famous folk tale,a story that has been passed down for many generations, about a young woman trying to overcome thecruelty of some of her family. There are numerous different versions of the story, with historical roots inplaces as far apart as China and Italy. This version, by Perrault, is the first to include the famous pumpkin,fairy godmother, and glass slippers. As you read, take notes on how Cinderella and her stepsisters treateach other throughout the story.

Once there was a gentleman who married, for hissecond wife, the proudest and most haughty1

woman that was ever seen. She had, by a formerhusband, two daughters of her own, who were,indeed, exactly like her in all things. He hadlikewise, by another wife, a young daughter, butof unparalleled2 goodness and sweetness oftemper, which she took from her mother, whowas the best creature in the world.

No sooner were the ceremonies of the weddingover but the stepmother began to show herself inher true colors. She could not bear the goodqualities of this pretty girl, and the less becausethey made her own daughters appear the moreodious.3 She employed her in the meanest workof the house. She scoured4 the dishes, tables,etc., and cleaned madam’s chamber, and those ofmisses, her daughters. She slept in a sorrygarret,5 on a wretched6 straw bed, while hersisters slept in fine rooms, with floors all inlaid,on beds of the very newest fashion, and wherethey had looking glasses7 so large that they couldsee themselves at their full length from head tofoot.

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1. Haughty (adjective): arrogant2. Unparalleled (adjective): having no equal3. Odious (adjective): extremely unpleasant; repulsive4. to clean or brighten the surface of (something) by rubbing it5. a very small top-floor or attic room6. Wretched (adjective): of poor quality; very bad7. an archaic term referring to a mirror

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The poor girl bore it all patiently, and dared not tell her father, who would have scolded her; for hiswife governed him entirely. When she had done her work, she used to go to the chimney corner, andsit down there in the cinders and ashes, which caused her to be called Cinderwench. Only the youngersister, who was not so rude and uncivil8 as the older one, called her Cinderella. However, Cinderella,notwithstanding her coarse apparel,9 was a hundred times more beautiful than her sisters, althoughthey were always dressed very richly.

It happened that the king’s son gave a ball, and invited all persons of fashion to it. Our young misseswere also invited, for they cut a very grand figure among those of quality. They were mightily delightedat this invitation, and wonderfully busy in selecting the gowns, petticoats,10 and hair dressing thatwould best become them. This was a new difficulty for Cinderella; for it was she who ironed her sister’slinen and pleated their ruffles. They talked all day long of nothing but how they should be dressed.

“For my part,” said the eldest, “I will wear my red velvet suit with French trimming.”

“And I,” said the youngest, “shall have my usual petticoat; but then, to make amends11 for that, I will puton my gold-flowered cloak, and my diamond stomacher,12 which is far from being the most ordinaryone in the world.”

They sent for the best hairdresser they could get to make up their headpieces and adjust their hairdos,and they had their red brushes and patches from Mademoiselle de la Poche.

They also consulted Cinderella in all these matters, for she had excellent ideas, and her advice wasalways good. Indeed, she even offered her services to fix their hair, which they very willingly accepted.As she was doing this, they said to her, “Cinderella, would you not like to go to the ball?”

“Alas!” said she, “you only jeer13 me; it is not for such as I am to go to such a place.”

“You are quite right,” they replied. “It would make the people laugh to see a Cinderwench at a ball.”

Anyone but Cinderella would have fixed their hair awry, but she was very good, and dressed themperfectly well. They were so excited that they hadn’t eaten a thing for almost two days. Then they brokemore than a dozen laces trying to have themselves laced up tightly enough to give them a fineslender14 shape. They were continually in front of their looking glass.

At last the happy day came. They went to court, and Cinderella followed them with her eyes as long asshe could. When she lost sight of them, she started to cry.

Her godmother, who saw her all in tears, asked her what was the matter.

“I wish I could. I wish I could.” She was not able to speak the rest, being interrupted by her tears andsobbing.

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8. Uncivil (adjective): discourteous or impolite9. clothing

10. A petticoat was a common article of clothing worn by women underneath a dress.11. to make up12. A stomacher was a piece of decorative cloth worn over the chest.13. Jeer (verb): to make rude and mocking remarks14. Slender (adjective): thin

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This godmother of hers, who was a fairy, said to her, “You wish that you could go to the ball; is it notso?”

“Yes,” cried Cinderella, with a great sigh.

“Well,” said her godmother, “be but a good girl, and I will contrive15 that you shall go.” Then she tookher into her chamber, and said to her, “Run into the garden, and bring me a pumpkin.”

Cinderella went immediately to gather the finest she could get, and brought it to her godmother, notbeing able to imagine how this pumpkin could help her go to the ball. Her godmother scooped out allthe inside of it, leaving nothing but the rind. Having done this, she struck the pumpkin with her wand,and it was instantly turned into a fine coach,16 gilded all over with gold.17

She then went to look into her mousetrap, where she found six mice, all alive, and ordered Cinderellato lift up a little the trapdoor. She gave each mouse, as it went out, a little tap with her wand, and themouse was that moment turned into a fine horse, which altogether made a very fine set of six horsesof a beautiful mouse colored dapple gray.

Being at a loss for a coachman,18 Cinderella said, “I will go and see if there is not a rat in the rat trapthat we can turn into a coachman.”

“You are right,” replied her godmother, “Go and look.”

Cinderella brought the trap to her, and in it there were three huge rats. The fairy chose the one whichhad the largest beard, touched him with her wand, and turned him into a fat, jolly coachman, who hadthe smartest whiskers that eyes ever beheld.

After that, she said to her, “Go again into the garden, and you will find six lizards behind the wateringpot. Bring them to me.”

She had no sooner done so but her godmother turned them into six footmen, who skipped upimmediately behind the coach, with their liveries19 all bedaubed20 with gold and silver, and clung asclose behind each other as if they had done nothing else their whole lives. The fairy then said toCinderella, “Well, you see here an equipage21 fit to go to the ball with; are you not pleased with it?”

“Oh, yes,” she cried; “but must I go in these nasty rags?”

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15. Contrive (verb): to bring about or create; to plan16. a horse-drawn carriage17. covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint18. someone who drives a coach19. special uniforms20. covered21. the equipment for a particular purpose or, historically, a carriage and horses with attendants

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Her godmother then touched her with her wand, and, at the same instant, her clothes turned into clothof gold and silver, all beset with jewels. This done, she gave her a pair of glass slippers, the prettiest inthe whole world. Being thus decked out, she got up into her coach; but her godmother, above allthings, commanded her not to stay past midnight, telling her, at the same time, that if she stayed onemoment longer, the coach would be a pumpkin again, her horses mice, her coachman a rat, herfootmen lizards, and that her clothes would become just as they were before.

She promised her godmother to leave the ball before midnight; and then drove away, scarcely22 able tocontain herself for joy. The king’s son, who was told that a great princess, whom nobody knew, hadarrived, ran out to receive her. He gave her his hand as she alighted23 from the coach, and led her intothe hall, among all the company. There was immediately a profound24 silence. Everyone stoppeddancing, and the violins ceased25 to play, so entranced was everyone with the singular beauties of theunknown newcomer.

Nothing was then heard but a confused noise of, “How beautiful she is! How beautiful she is!”

The king himself, old as he was, could not help watching her, and telling the queen softly that it was along time since he had seen so beautiful and lovely a creature.

All the ladies were busied in considering her clothes and headdress, hoping to have some made nextday after the same pattern, provided they could find such fine materials and as able hands to makethem.

The king’s son led her to the most honorable seat, and afterwards took her out to dance with him. Shedanced so very gracefully that they all more and more admired her. A fine meal was served up, but theyoung prince ate not a morsel,26 so intently was he busied in gazing on her.

She went and sat down by her sisters, showing them a thousand civilities,27 giving them part of theoranges and citrons28 which the prince had presented her with, which very much surprised them, forthey did not know her. While Cinderella was thus amusing her sisters, she heard the clock strike elevenand three-quarters, whereupon she immediately made a curtsy to the company and hurried away asfast as she could.

Arriving home, she ran to seek out her godmother, and, after having thanked her, she said she couldnot but heartily wish she might go to the ball the next day as well, because the king’s son had invitedher.

As she was eagerly telling her godmother everything that had happened at the ball, her two sistersknocked at the door, which Cinderella ran and opened.

[30]

22. Scarcely (adverb ): barely, hardly23. to exit from a train, bus, or other form of transportation24. Profound (adjective): very great or intense25. Cease (verb): to stop26. Morsel (noun): a small piece27. formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech28. fruits such as lemons and limes

4

“You stayed such a long time!” she cried, gaping, rubbing her eyes and stretching herself as if she hadbeen sleeping; she had not, however, had any manner of inclination29 to sleep while they were awayfrom home.

“If you had been at the ball,” said one of her sisters, “you would not have been tired with it. The finestprincess was there, the most beautiful that mortal eyes have ever seen. She showed us a thousandcivilities, and gave us oranges and citrons.”

Cinderella seemed very indifferent30 in the matter. Indeed, she asked them the name of that princess;but they told her they did not know it, and that the king’s son was very uneasy on her account andwould give all the world to know who she was. At this Cinderella, smiling, replied, “She must, then, bevery beautiful indeed; how happy you have been! Could not I see her? Ah, dear Charlotte, do lend meyour yellow dress which you wear every day.”

“Yes, to be sure!” cried Charlotte; “lend my clothes to such a dirty Cinderwench as you are! I should besuch a fool.”

Cinderella, indeed, well expected such an answer, and was very glad of the refusal; for she would havebeen sadly put to it, if her sister had lent her what she asked for jestingly.31

The next day the two sisters were at the ball, and so was Cinderella, but dressed even moremagnificently than before. The king’s son was always by her, and never ceased his compliments andkind speeches to her. All this was so far from being tiresome to her, and, indeed, she quite forgot whather godmother had told her. She thought that it was no later than eleven when she counted the clockstriking twelve. She jumped up and fled, as nimble as a deer. The prince followed, but could notovertake her. She left behind one of her glass slippers, which the prince picked up most carefully. Shereached home, but quite out of breath, and in her nasty old clothes, having nothing left of all her finerybut one of the little slippers, the mate to the one that she had dropped.

The guards at the palace gate were asked if they had not seen a princess go out. They replied that theyhad seen nobody leave but a young girl, very shabbily32 dressed, and who had more the air of a poorcountry wench than a gentlewoman.

When the two sisters returned from the ball Cinderella asked them if they had been well entertained,and if the fine lady had been there.

They told her, yes, but that she hurried away immediately when it struck twelve, and with so muchhaste33 that she dropped one of her little glass slippers, the prettiest in the world, which the king’s sonhad picked up; that he had done nothing but look at her all the time at the ball, and that most certainlyhe was very much in love with the beautiful person who owned the glass slipper.

[35]

[40]

29. Inclination (noun): a desire, interest, or natural attitude towards something30. Indifferent (adjective): having no particular interest in or sympathy towards something31. Jestingly (adverb): jokingly32. Shabbily (adverb): showing signs of wear and tear33. Haste (noun): speed or hurry, often made with urgency

5

“Cinderella ” by Charles Perrault. Copyright © 1697. Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved.

What they said was very true; for a few days later, the king’s son had it proclaimed,34 by sound oftrumpet, that he would marry her whose foot this slipper would just fit. They began to try it on theprincesses, then the duchesses and all the court, but in vain; it was brought to the two sisters, who didall they possibly could to force their foot into the slipper, but they did not succeed.

Cinderella, who saw all this, and knew that it was her slipper, said to them, laughing, “Let me see if itwill not fit me.”

Her sisters burst out laughing, and began to banter35 with her. The gentleman who was sent to try theslipper looked earnestly36 at Cinderella, and, finding her very handsome, said that it was only just thatshe should try as well, and that he had orders to let everyone try.

He had Cinderella sit down, and, putting the slipper to her foot, he found that it went on very easily,fitting her as if it had been made of wax. Her two sisters were greatly astonished, but then even moreso, when Cinderella pulled out of her pocket the other slipper, and put it on her other foot. Then incame her godmother and touched her wand to Cinderella’s clothes, making them richer and moremagnificent than any of those she had worn before.

And now her two sisters found her to be that fine, beautiful lady whom they had seen at the ball. Theythrew themselves at her feet to beg pardon for all the ill treatment they had made her undergo.Cinderella took them up, and, as she embraced them, said that she forgave them with all her heart,and wanted them always to love her.

She was taken to the young prince, dressed as she was. He thought she was more charming thanbefore, and, a few days after, married her. Cinderella, who was no less good than beautiful, gave hertwo sisters lodgings37 in the palace, and that very same day matched them with two great lords of thecourt.

Moral: Beauty in a woman is a rare treasure that will always be admired. Graciousness,38 however, ispriceless and of even greater value. This is what Cinderella’s godmother gave to her when she taughther to behave like a queen. Young women, in the winning of a heart, graciousness is more importantthan a beautiful hairdo. It is a true gift of the fairies. Without it nothing is possible; with it, one can doanything.

Another moral: Without doubt it is a great advantage to have intelligence, courage, good breeding,39

and common sense. These, and similar talents come only from heaven, and it is good to have them.However, even these may fail to bring you success, without the blessing of a godfather or a godmother.

[45]

[50]

34. Proclaim (verb): to announce35. Banter (verb): to speak in a friendly and teasing way36. Earnest (adjective): serious and sincere37. a room or place to sleep; a form of shelter38. kindness39. upbringing

6

[RL.2]

[RL.1]

[RL.5]

[RL.2]

Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. Part A: At the beginning of the story, how is Cinderella treated differently than herstepsisters?

A. Cinderella is forced by her stepmother to live in a smaller room and do harderwork.

B. Cinderella lives and works in a different city.C. Cinderella and her stepsisters are all treated the same.D. Cinderella is forced by her stepmother to live in a smaller room and wear a glass

slipper.

2. PART B: Which phrase from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “She employed her in the meanest work of the house.” (Paragraph 2)B. “It happened that the king’s son gave a ball” (Paragraph 4)C. “They sent for the best hairdresser they could get to make up their headpieces

and adjust their hairdos…” (Paragraph 7)D. “she dropped one of her little glass slippers, the prettiest in the world, which the

king’s son had picked up” (Paragraph 43)

3. What does paragraph 18 contribute to the structure of the overall story?A. It explains why Cinderella wants to go to the ball.B. It explains how Cinderella’s stepsisters get to the ball in a magic carriage.C. It explains how the fairy godmother’s magic is used to help Cinderella get to the

ball.D. It explains why Cinderella lives in an attic instead of a nicer room.

4. At the end of the story, how does Cinderella treat her stepsisters? What does thisreveal about her character?

7

[RL.2][RL.5]5. What is the author’s purpose in the final two paragraphs?

8

Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. Why do you think the stepsisters were mean to Cinderella? Did the stepsisters get whatthey deserved in the end? Do you think they have learned a lesson? Why or why not?

2. Based on the story, what are the characteristics of a good person? After reading the story,which characters do you consider good and why?

3. According to the morals described by the author in the story, how should we respond toadversity? Do you agree with the author? Why or why not? Cite evidence from this text, yourown experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

9

Name: Class: Date:

Pairing Questions for "“The Worst Birthday” from HarryPotter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Cinderella"

Directions: After reading the texts, choose the best answer for the multiple-choice questions below and respond tothe writing questions in complete sentences.

A. Children get fresh starts when their families change.B. Children feel like outsiders when there is a change in the family.C. Children feel closer to their parents when there is a change in the family.D. Children wonder what they did wrong when there is a change in the family.

1. Which of the following statements would Harry Potter and Cinderella agree on? [RL.3, RL.9]

2. Compare and contrast Harry Potter and Cinderella’s reactions to being treated as outsidersby their families. [RL.3, RL.9]

1

Name: Class:

"SC1048_AM-1979-13.2" by stanford_archives is licensed under CCBY-NC 2.0.

The Scholarship JacketBy Marta Salinas

1986

“The Scholarship Jacket” is one of the best-known stories by Mexican-American author Marta Salinas. Itdescribes a difficult situation that Marta, a Mexican-American girl from Texas, is faced with after she earnsexcellent grades in school. As you read this story, take notes on the descriptive language (imagery) anddiction (word choice) that helps reveal Marta’s point of view.

The small Texas school that I went to had atradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and greenjacket (the school colors) was awarded to theclass valedictorian, the student who hadmaintained the highest grades for eight years.The scholarship jacket had a big gold S on the leftfront side and your name written in gold letterson the pocket.

My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a fewyears back, and I fully expected to also. I wasfourteen and in the eighth grade. I had been astraight A student since the first grade and thislast year had looked forward very much toowning that jacket. My father was a farm laborerwho couldn’t earn enough money to feed eightchildren, so when I was six I was given to mygrandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate insports at school because there were registrationfees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so,even though our family was quite agile1 andathletic there would never be a school sportsjacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, wasour only chance.

[1]

1. Agile (adjective): able to move quickly and easily

1

In May, close to graduation, spring fever had struck as usual with a vengeance.2 No one paid anyattention in class; instead we stared out the windows and at each other, wanting to speed up the lastfew weeks of school. I despaired3 every time I looked in the mirror. Pencil thin, not a curve anywhere. Iwas called “beanpole” and “string bean,” and I knew that’s what I looked like. A flat chest, no hips, and abrain; that’s what I had. That really wasn’t much for a fourteen-year-old to work with, I thought, as Iabsent-mindedly wandered from my history class to the gym. Another hour of sweating in basketballand displaying my toothpick legs was coming up. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts were still in a bagunder my desk where I’d forgotten them. I had to walk all the way back and get them. CoachThompson was a real bear if someone wasn’t dressed for P.E. She had said I was a good forward andeven tried to talk Grandma into letting me join the team once. Of course Grandma said no.

●●●

I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort ofargument. I stopped. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,4 I just hesitated, not knowing what to do. I neededthose shorts and I was going to be late, but I didn’t want to interrupt an argument between myteachers. I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher.They seemed to be arguing about me. I couldn’t believe it. I still remember the feeling of shock thatrooted me flat against the wall as if I were trying to blend in with the graffiti written there.

“I refuse to do it! I don’t care who her father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s. Iwon’t lie or falsify5 records. Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr.Schmidt and he sounded very angry. Mr. Boone’s voice sounded calm and quiet.

“Look. Joann’s father is not only on the Board,6 he owns the only store in town: we could say it was aclose tie and—”

The pounding in my ears drowned out the rest of the words, only a word here and there filteredthrough. “… Martha is Mexican … resign7 … won’t do it…” Mr. Schmidt came rushing out and luckily forme went down the opposite way toward the auditorium, so he didn’t see me. Shaking, I waited a fewminutes and then went in and grabbed my bag and fled from the room. Mr. Boone looked up when Icame in but didn’t say anything. To this day I don’t remember if I got in trouble in P.E. for being late orhow I made it through the rest of the afternoon. I went home very sad and cried into my pillow thatnight so Grandmother wouldn’t hear me. It seemed a cruel coincidence that I had overheard thatconversation.

The next day when the principal called me into his office I knew what it would be about. He lookeduncomfortable and unhappy. I decided I wasn’t going to make it any easier for him, so I looked himstraight in the eyes. He looked away and fidgeted with the papers on his desk.

[5]

2. “With a vengeance” is an idiom that means “with great force, energy, violence, or power”3. Despair (verb): to feel that everything is wrong and that nothing will improve4. Eavesdrop (verb): to listen secretly to what someone else is saying5. Falsify (verb): to add untrue or made-up details; to fake6. A reference to the School Board, a group of important people who are in charge of making big decisions about a

school.7. Resign (verb): to formally announce that one is leaving a job or position

2

“Martha,” he said, “there’s been a change in policy this year regarding the scholarship jacket. As youknow, it has always been free.” He cleared his throat and continued. “This year the Board has decidedto charge fifteen dollars, which still won’t cover the complete cost of the jacket.”

I stared at him in shock, and a small sound of dismay8 escaped my throat. I hadn’t expected this. Hestill avoided looking in my eyes.

“So if you are unable to pay the fifteen dollars for the jacket it will be given to the next one in line.” Ididn’t need to ask who that was.

Standing with all the dignity9 I could muster,10 I said, “I’ll speak to my grandfather about it, sir, and letyou know tomorrow.” I cried on the walk home from the bus stop. The dirt road was a quarter milefrom the highway, so by the time I got home, my eyes were red and puffy.

“Where’s Grandpa?” I asked Grandma, looking down at the floor so she wouldn’t ask me why I’d beencrying. She was sewing on a quilt as usual and didn’t look up.

“I think he’s out back working in the bean field.”

●●●

I went outside and looked out at the fields. There he was. I could see him walking between the rows,his body bent over the little plants, hoe11 in hand. I walked slowly out to him, trying to think how I couldbest ask him for the money. There was a cool breeze blowing and a sweet smell of mesquite fruit12 inthe air, but I didn’t appreciate it. I kicked at a dirt clod. I wanted that jacket so much. It was more thanjust being a valedictorian and giving a little thank you speech for the jacket on graduation night. Itrepresented eight years of hard work and expectation. I knew I had to be honest with Grandpa; it wasmy only chance. He saw my shadow and looked up.

He waited for me to speak. I cleared my throat nervously and clasped my hands behind my back so hewouldn’t see them shaking. “Grandpa, I have a big favor to ask you,” I said in Spanish, the only languagehe knew. He still waited silently. I tried again. “Grandpa, this year the principal said the scholarshipjacket is not going to be free. It’s going to cost fifteen dollars, and I have to take the money intomorrow, otherwise it’ll be given to someone else.” The last words came out in an eager rush.Grandpa straightened up tiredly and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. He looked out over the fieldthat was filled with the tiny green bean plants. I waited, desperately hoping he’d say I could have themoney.

He turned to me and asked quietly, “What does a scholarship jacket mean?”

[10]

[15]

8. Dismay (noun): a strong feeling of fear, worry, or sadness that is caused by something unpleasant and unexpected9. Dignity (noun): a sense of importance and value; pride; self-respect

10. Muster (verb): to gather up (emotions)11. A gardening tool used to remove small weeds and break up the surface of soil12. Mesquite is a bean plant that grows in the southwest US and Mexico

3

I answered quickly; maybe there was a chance. “It means you’ve earned it by having the highest gradesfor eight years and that’s why they’re giving it to you.” Too late I realized the significance13 of my words.Grandpa knew that I understood it was not a matter of money. It wasn’t that. He went back to hoeingthe weeds that sprang up between the delicate little bean plants. It was a time-consuming job;sometimes the small shoots were right next to each other. Finally he spoke again as I turned to leave,crying.

“Then if you pay for it, Marta, it’s not a scholarship jacket, is it? Tell your principal I will not pay thefifteen dollars.”

I walked back to the house and locked myself in the bathroom for a long time. I was angry withGrandfather even though I knew he was right, and I was angry with the Board, whoever they were. Whydid they have to change the rules just when it was my turn to win the jacket? Those were the days ofbelief and innocence.

●●●

It was a very sad and withdrawn14 girl who dragged into the principal’s office the next day. This time hedid look me in the eyes.

“What did your grandfather say?”

I sat very straight in my chair.

“He said to tell you he won’t pay the fifteen dollars.”

The principal muttered something I couldn’t understand under his breath and walked over to thewindow. He stood looking out at something outside. He looked bigger than usual when he stood up; hewas a tall, gaunt15 man with gray hair, and I watched the back of his head while I waited for him tospeak.

“Why?” he finally asked. “Your grandfather has the money. He owns a two-hundred acre ranch.”

I looked at him, forcing my eyes to stay dry. “I know, sir, but he said if I had to pay for it, then it wouldn’tbe a scholarship jacket.” I stood up to leave. “I guess you’ll just have to give it to Joann.” I hadn’t meantto say that, it had just slipped out. I was almost to the door when he stopped me.

“Martha—wait.”

I turned and looked at him, waiting. What did he want now? I could feel my heart pounding loudly inmy chest and see my blouse fluttering where my breasts should have been. Something bitter and vile16

tasting was coming up in my mouth; I was afraid I was going to be sick. I didn’t need any sympathyspeeches. He sighed loudly and went back to his big desk. He watched me, biting his lip.

[20]

[25]

13. Significance (noun): the importance that something has, usually because it will have an effect on a situation orshows something about a situation

14. Withdrawn (adjective): very quiet; not wanting to talk to others15. Gaunt (adjective): very thin16. Vile (adjective): unpleasant, disgusting

4

“The Scholarship Jacket” from Nosotras: Latina Literature Today, © 1986, Marta Salinas. Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved.

“Okay. We’ll make an exception in your case. I’ll tell the Board, you’ll get your jacket.”

I could hardly believe my ears. I spoke in a trembling rush. “Oh, thank you, sir!” Suddenly I felt great. Ididn’t know about adrenaline in those days, but I knew something was pumping through me, makingme feel as tall as the sky. I wanted to yell, jump, run the mile, do something. I ran out so I could cry inthe hall where there was no one to see me.

At the end of the day, Mr. Schmidt winked at me and said, “I hear you’re getting the scholarship jacketthis year.”

His face looked as happy and innocent as a baby’s, but I knew better. Without answering I gave him aquick hug and ran to the bus. I cried on the walk home again, but this time because I was so happy. Icouldn’t wait to tell Grandpa and ran straight to the field. I joined him in the row where he wasworking, and without saying anything I crouched down and started pulling up the weeds with myhands. Grandpa worked alongside me for a few minutes, and he didn’t ask what had happened. After Ihad a little pile of weeds between the rows, I stood up and faced him.

“The principal said he’s making an exception for me, Grandpa, and I’m getting the jacket after all. That’safter I told him what you said.”

Grandpa didn’t say anything; he just gave me a pat on the shoulder and a smile. He pulled out thecrumpled red handkerchief that he always carried in his back pocket and wiped the sweat off hisforehead.

“Better go see if your grandmother needs any help with supper.”

I gave him a big grin. He didn’t fool me. I skipped and ran back to the house whistling some silly tune.

[30]

[35]

5

Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. PART A: Which of the following best identifies a major theme of this story?A. It is best to focus on one’s education without worrying about recognition.B. Being an American means acting with respect for hard work and justice.C. One should respect the wisdom of elders when solving problems.D. It is difficult but important to stand up for what is fair and right.

2. PART B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “I had been a straight A student since the first grade and this last year had

looked forward very much to owning that jacket.” (Paragraph 2)B. “My father was a farm laborer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight

children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise.” (Paragraph2)

C. “It was more than just being a valedictorian and giving a little thank you speechfor the jacket on graduation night. It represented eight years of hard work andexpectation.” (Paragraph 15)

D. “‘Then if you pay for it, Marta, it’s not a scholarship jacket, is it? Tell your principalI will not pay the fifteen dollars.’” (Paragraph 19)

3. In paragraph 8 and paragraph 10, why is it significant that the principal cannot look Martain the eyes?

A. It reveals that he knows what he is doing is wrong, and he is ashamed.B. It reveals that he is blind to justice and does not believe he is doing anything

wrong.C. It reveals that he is actually distracted by more important things than who gets

the jacket.D. It reveals that he doesn't care about what the scholarship jacket means to

Marta.

4. How do Marta’s feelings change over the course of the story? Cite evidence from at least 3examples in the story.

6

5. How does the principal’s point of view towards Marta change throughout the story? Citeevidence from the story in your response.

7

Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. Have you ever experienced injustice or discrimination based on how much money you – orsomeone else – had? How did it feel? What did you do?

2. According to the story, the principal wanted to make a special rule preventing Marta fromgetting the scholarship jacket. This is considered discrimination. In the context of this story,where does prejudice and discrimination come from? Cite evidence from this text, your ownexperience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

3. Would it have been fair if the school had given the jacket to Joann? Why or why not?

4. In your opinion, what makes a situation fair? Cite evidence from this text, your ownexperience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

5. The narrator says, “Grandpa knew that I understood it was not a matter of money”(Paragraph 18). Is this true? What if the principal hadn’t decided to give Marta the jacketanyway?

6. In the context of this story, what can – and can’t – money buy? Do you believe money canlead to happiness? Why or why not? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, andother literature, art, or history in your answer.

8

Name: Class:

"Happy birthday wishes" by Just go is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Stolen PartyBy Liliana Heker

1982

Lilian Heker (b. 1943) is an Argentine author who has been writing professionally since she was 17. In thisshort story, Heker explores social class differences through a story about a young girl who attends thebirthday party of a friend whose family employs her mother as their housekeeper. As you read, take noteson how different characters view Rosaura’s attendance at the party.

As soon as she arrived she went straight to thekitchen to see if the monkey was there. It was:what a relief. She wouldn’t have liked to admitthat her mother had been right. Monkeys at abirthday? Her mother had sneered. Get away withyou, believing any nonsense you’re told! She wascross, but not because of the monkey, the girlthought; it’s just because of the party.

“I don’t like you going,” she told her. “It’s a richpeople’s party.”

“Rich people go to Heaven too,” said the girl, whostudied religion at school.

“Get away with Heaven,” said the mother. “The problem with you, young lady, is that you like to farthigher than your a—.”1

The girl didn’t approve of the way her mother spoke. She was barely nine, and one of the best in herclass.

“I’m going because I’ve been invited,” she said. “And I’ve been invited because Luciana is my friend. Sothere.”

“Ah yes, your friend,” her mother grumbled. She paused. “Listen, Rosaura,” she said at last. “That one’snot your friend. You know what you are to them? The maid’s daughter, that’s what.”

Rosaura blinked hard: she wasn’t going to cry. Then she yelled: “Shut up! You know nothing aboutbeing friends!”

Every afternoon she used to go to Luciana’s house and they would both finish their homework whileRosaura’s mother did the cleaning. They had their tea in the kitchen and they told each other secrets.Rosaura loved everything in the big house, and she also loved the people who lived there.

[1]

[5]

1. Rosaura’s mother uses an expression that includes a curse word.

1

“I’m going because it will be the most lovely party in the whole world, Luciana told me it would. Therewill be a magician, and he will bring a monkey and everything.”

The mother swung around to take a good look at her child, and pompously2 put her hands on her hips.

“Monkeys at a birthday?” she said. “Get away with you, believing any nonsense you’re told!”

Rosaura was deeply offended.3 She thought it unfair of her mother to accuse other people of beingliars simply because they were rich. Rosaura too wanted to be rich, of course. If one day she managedto live in a beautiful palace, would her mother stop loving her? She felt very sad. She wanted to go tothat party more than anything else in the world.

“I’ll die if I don’t go,” she whispered, almost without moving her lips.

She wasn’t sure whether she had been heard, but on the morning of the party she discovered that hermother had starched4 her Christmas dress. And in the afternoon, after washing her hair, her motherrinsed it in apple vinegar so that it would be all nice and shiny. Before going out, Rosaura admiredherself in the mirror, with her white dress and glossy hair, and thought she looked terribly pretty.Señora Ines also seemed to notice. As soon as she saw her, she said: “How lovely you look today,Rosaura.”

Rosaura gave her starched skirt a slight toss with her hands and walked into the party with a firm step.She said hello to Luciana and asked about the monkey. Luciana put on a secretive look and whisperedinto Rosaura’s ear: “He’s in the kitchen. But don’t tell anyone, because it’s a surprise.”

Rosaura wanted to make sure. Carefully she entered the kitchen and there she saw it: deep in thought,inside its cage. It looked so funny that the girl stood there for a while, watching it, and later, every sooften, she would slip out of the party unseen and go and admire it. Rosaura was the only one allowedinto the kitchen. Señora Ines had said: “You yes, but not the others, they’re much too boisterous,5 theymight break something.” Rosaura had never broken anything. She even managed the jug of orangejuice, carrying it from the kitchen into the dining room. She held it carefully and didn’t spill a singledrop. And Señora Ines had said: “Are you sure you can manage a jug as big as that?” Of course shecould manage. She wasn’t a butterfingers,6 like the others. Like that blonde girl with the bow in herhair. As soon as she saw Rosaura, the girl with the bow had said: “And you? Who are you?”

“I’m a friend of Luciana,” said Rosaura.

“No,” said the girl with the bow, “you are not a friend of Luciana because I’m her cousin and I know allher friends. And I don’t know you.”

“So what,” said Rosaura. “I come here every afternoon with my mother and we do our homeworktogether.”

“You and your mother do your homework together?” asked the girl, laughing.

[10]

[15]

[20]

2. Pompous (adjective): having a high opinion of one’s own importance3. Offend (verb): to cause someone to feel angry, hurt, or upset4. to make a piece of clothing stiff by dipping it in starch5. Boisterous (adjective): noisy, energetic, or rowdy6. Someone who is “butterfingered” is careless and often drops objects.

2

“I and Luciana do our homework together,” said Rosaura, very seriously.

The girl with the bow shrugged her shoulders.

“That’s not being friends,” she said. “Do you go to school together?”

“No.”

“So where do you know her from?” said the girl, getting impatient.

Rosaura remembered her mother’s words perfectly. She took a deep breath.

“I’m the daughter of the employee,” she said.

Her mother had said very clearly: “If someone asks, you say you’re the daughter of the employee; that’sall.” She also told her to add: “And proud of it.” But Rosaura thought that never in her life would shedare say something of the sort.

“What employee?” said the girl with the bow. “Employee in a shop?”

“No,” said Rosaura angrily. “My mother doesn’t sell anything in any shop, so there.”

“So how come she’s an employee?” said the girl with the bow.

Just then Señora Ines arrived saying shh shh, and asked Rosaura if she wouldn’t mind helping serve outthe hot dogs, as she knew the house so much better than the others.

“See?” said Rosaura to the girl with the bow, and when no one was looking she kicked her in the shin.

Apart from the girl with the bow, all the others were delightful. The one she liked best was Luciana,with her golden birthday crown; and then the boys. Rosaura won the sack race, and nobody managedto catch her when they played tag. When they split into two teams to play charades, all the boyswanted her for their side. Rosaura felt she had never been so happy in all her life.

But the best was still to come. The best came after Luciana blew out the candles. First the cake. SeñoraInes had asked her to help pass the cake around, and Rosaura had enjoyed the task immensely,7

because everyone called out to her, shouting “Me, me!” Rosaura remembered a story in which therewas a queen who had the power of life or death over her subjects. She had always loved that, havingthe power of life or death. To Luciana and the boys she gave the largest pieces, and to the girl with thebow she gave a slice so thin one could see through it.

After the cake came the magician, tall and bony, with a fine red cape. A true magician: he could untiehandkerchiefs by blowing on them and make a chain with links that had no openings. He could guesswhat cards were pulled out from a pack, and the monkey was his assistant. He called the monkey“partner.” “Let’s see here, partner,” he would say, “turn over a card.” And, “Don’t run away, partner: timeto work now.”

[25]

[30]

[35]

7. Immensely (adverb): very much

3

The final trick was wonderful. One of the children had to hold the monkey in his arms and the magiciansaid he would make him disappear.

“What, the boy?” they all shouted.

“No, the monkey!” shouted back the magician.

Rosaura thought that this was truly the most amusing party in the whole world.

The magician asked a small fat boy to come and help, but the small fat boy got frightened almost atonce and dropped the monkey on the floor. The magician picked him up carefully, whisperedsomething in his ear, and the monkey nodded almost as if he understood.

“You mustn’t be so unmanly, my friend,” the magician said to the fat boy.

The magician turned around as if to look for spies.

“A sissy,”8 said the magician. “Go sit down.”

Then he stared at all the faces, one by one. Rosaura felt her heart tremble.

“You with the Spanish eyes,” said the magician. And everyone saw that he was pointing at her.

She wasn’t afraid, neither holding the monkey, nor when the magician made him vanish; not evenwhen, at the end, the magician flung his red cape over Rosaura’s head and uttered a few magic words...and the monkey reappeared, chattering happily, in her arms. The children clapped furiously. Andbefore Rosaura returned to her seat, the magician said: “Thank you very much, my little countess.”9

She was so pleased with the compliment that a while later, when her mother came to fetch her, thatwas the first thing she told her.

“I helped the magician and he said to me, ‘Thank you very much, my little countess.’”

It was strange because up to then Rosaura had thought that she was angry with her mother. All alongRosaura had imagined that she would say to her: “See that the monkey wasn’t a lie?” But instead shewas so thrilled that she told her mother all about the wonderful magician.

Her mother tapped her on the head and said: “So now we’re a countess!”

But one could see that she was beaming.

And now they both stood in the entrance, because a moment ago Señora Ines, smiling, had said:“Please wait here a second.” Her mother suddenly seemed worried.

“What is it?” she asked Rosaura.

[40]

[45]

[50]

[55]

8. a person regarded as a coward9. a woman of noble status

4

“The Stolen Party” by Liliana Heker, © 1982, which appeared in Other Fires: Short Fiction by Latin American Women, edited and translated byAlberto Manguel, © 1985. Reprinted by permission of Westwood Creative Artists Ltd. and Schavelzon Graham Agencia Literaria

(www.schavelzongraham.com).

“What is what?” said Rosaura. “It’s nothing; she just wants to get the presents for those who are leaving,see?”

She pointed at the fat boy and at a girl with pigtails who were also waiting there, next to their mothers.And she explained about the presents. She knew, because she had been watching those who leftbefore her. When one of the girls was about to leave, Señora Ines would give her a bracelet. When aboy left, Señora Ines gave him a yo-yo. Rosaura preferred the yo-yo because it sparkled, but she didn’tmention that to her mother. Her mother might have said: “So why don’t you ask for one, youblockhead?”10 That’s what her mother was like. Rosaura didn’t feel like explaining that she’d be horriblyashamed to be the odd one out. Instead she said: “I was the best-behaved at the party.”

And she said no more because Señora Ines came out into the hall with two bags, one pink and oneblue.

First she went up to the fat boy, gave him a yo-yo out of the blue bag, and the fat boy left with hismother. Then she went up to the girl and gave her a bracelet out of the pink bag, and the girl with thepigtails left as well.

Finally she came up to Rosaura and her mother. She had a big smile on her face and Rosaura likedthat. Señora Ines looked down at her, then looked up at her mother, and then said something thatmade Rosaura proud:

“What a marvelous daughter you have, Herminia.”

For an instant, Rosaura thought that she’d give her two presents: the bracelet and the yo-yo. SeñoraInes bent down as if about to look for something. Rosaura also leaned forward, stretching out her arm.But she never completed the movement.

Señora Ines didn’t look in the pink bag. Nor did she look in the blue bag. Instead she rummaged11 inher purse. In her hand appeared two bills.

“You really and truly earned this,” she said handing them over. “Thank you for all your help, my pet.”

Rosaura felt her arms stiffen, stick close to her body, and then she noticed her mother’s hand on hershoulder. Instinctively12 she pressed herself against her mother’s body. That was all. Except her eyes.Rosaura’s eyes had a cold, clear look that fixed itself on Señora Ines’s face.

Señora Ines, motionless, stood there with her hand outstretched. As if she didn’t dare draw it back. Asif the slightest change might shatter an infinitely delicate balance.

[60]

[65]

10. a stupid person11. Rummage (verb): to search by moving, turning, or looking through the contents of a container12. Instinctive (adjective): done without thought or reasoning

5

Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. PART A: Which statement identifies a theme of the text?A. Class differences are insignificant and people are usually able to look beyond

them.B. Children are clueless to how cruel other people can be.C. Class differences can negatively impact the way people are treated.D. Adults are sometimes inexplicably cruel to children.

2. PART B: Which passage from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “'That one’s not your friend. You know what you are to them? The maid’s

daughter, that’s what.’” (Paragraph 7)B. “They had their tea in the kitchen and they told each other secrets. Rosaura

loved everything in the big house, and she also loved the people who livedthere.” (Paragraph 9)

C. “Rosaura remembered a story in which there was a queen who had the powerof life or death over her subjects.” (Paragraph 36)

D. “Rosaura didn’t feel like explaining that she’d be horribly ashamed to be the oddone out. Instead she said: ‘I was the best-behaved at the party.’” (Paragraph 57)

3. PART A: What is the meaning of “boisterous” in paragraph 17?A. overactiveB. untrustworthyC. uncoordinatedD. weak

4. PART B: Which detail from paragraph 17 best supports the answer to Part A?A. “Rosaura was the only one allowed into the kitchen.”B. “'they might break something.’”C. “She even managed the jug of orange juice,”D. “She wasn’t a butterfingers, like the others.”

5. PART A: How would you describe Rosaura’s mother?A. She is hateful towards people with money because she is jealous that she

doesn’t have money.B. She is not trusting of people with money because she knows they spend it on

unnecessary things.C. She is not trusting of people with money because she knows how they treat

people without money.D. She is uncaring towards her daughter because she thinks her desires to be rich

are silly.

6

6. PART B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “Monkeys at a birthday? Her mother had sneered. Get away with you, believing

any nonsense you’re told!” (Paragraph 1)B. “'Get away with Heaven,’ said the mother. ‘The problem with you, young lady, is

that you like to fart higher than your a**.’” (Paragraph 4)C. "'Listen, Rosaura,’ she said at last. ‘That one’s not your friend. You know what

you are to them? The maid’s daughter, that’s what.’” (Paragraph 7)D. “The mother swung around to take a good look at her child, and pompously put

her hands on her hips.” (Paragraph 11)

7. What is the “infinitely delicate balance” that the author refers to in paragraph 66?

8. How does the following sentence from paragraph 19 help develop the plot of the story:“you are not a friend of Luciana because I’m her cousin and I know all her friends. And Idon’t know you”?

7

Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. In your opinion, did Rosaura appear to be embarrassed by how much money her familyhad? Did this change as the story progressed?

2. In your opinion, was Rosaura’s mother a good mother? Was it right for her to discourageRosaura from going to the party?

3. In the context of the text, what is a friend? Did Luciana view Rosaura as a friend? How didRosaura’s treatment at Luciana’s party reinforce her belief that she was there as a guest?Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history inyour answer.

4. In the context of the text, what are the effects of prejudice? How was Señora Ines’streatment of Rosaura an example of prejudice? How did this make Rosaura feel? Citeevidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in youranswer.

5. In the context of the text, why should we value our youth? How did Rosaura’s age influenceher perceptions of her relationship with Luciana, as well as her role at the party? Citeevidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in youranswer.

6. In the context of the text, can you change your identity? Is the social class that Rosaura andher mother belong to a concrete part of their identities? Is it something that they couldeasily change, or should wish to change? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience,and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

8

Name: Class: Date:

Pairing Questions for "The Scholarship Jacket" and "TheStolen Party"

Directions: After reading the texts, choose the best answer for the multiple-choice questions below and respond tothe writing questions in complete sentences.

A. They go from viewing social class as unimportant to important.B. They go from viewing social class as important to unimportant.C. They go from viewing people of a higher social class as better than they are

to viewing them as worse than they are.D. They go from viewing people of a higher social class as worse that they are

to viewing them as better than they are.

1. How do Marta’s and Rosaura’s perspectives change throughout the stories? [RL.6, RL.9]

2. What do Marta and Rosaura realize about social class in both stories? [RL.3, RL.9]

1

Name: Class:

"Sammy" by Hannah Yoon is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Hello, My Name Is ______By Jason Kim

2017

Jason Kim is an Asian American screenwriter and playwright. In this personal account, Kim discusses hisexperience immigrating to the United States from Korea at a young age and his struggle fitting in whilemaintaining his identity. As you read, take notes on how Kim’s experiences shaped his feelings towards hisidentity.

I will never forget the day I picked a new name. Iwas standing in front of my class on my first dayof school at Craig Elementary in St. Louis,Missouri. I had, only a day before, landed atLambert airport after a 16-hour flight from Seoul,South Korea. I was 10 years old. I was nervous,terrified, and jet-lagged, and I was wearing a vestbecause I thought it was chic.

For my entire life, everyone, including me, hadknown me by my Korean name: Jun Hyuk. Buthere, in this new country, in a brand-newclassroom full of foreign faces, I had to pick anew, easy-to-pronounce, American name.

Jason.

Jason Kim.

How did I settle on Jason? Because I didn't speakany English. Because my teacher didn't speak anyKorean. And because it was either going to beAladdin, from my favorite childhood Disney tale,or Jason, from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

I spent the next decade wanting nothing morethan to look like a Larry Lorberbaum or a GarrettKennedy. I still vividly remember my first time atrecess, a confusing experience for several reasons, in large part because hanging off monkey bars andmaking each other cry during dodgeball were not educationally sanctioned1 activities in Asia. What wasso fun about waiting in line, running up the steps, and going down a tiny slide over and over again?What was the value in sprinting after your classmate like a person with rabies, screaming, "TAG!"

Why didn't anyone look, sound, or act like me?

[1]

[5]

1. to give official permission or approval

1

I spent most days at recess sitting alone on the sidelines, eating the special snack that my mother hadpacked. The snack, a rice cake or a piece of candy from Korea, was always accompanied by a note,usually a joke, and sometimes embellished with a drawing, which often looked like an abstract paintingwhen it was meant to be a sketch of our beloved deceased poodle.

A month had passed when a teacher finally tapped me on the shoulder.

"Are you OK, sweetie?"

Before I could answer, another teacher rang out, "Maybe he likes sitting alone. Maybe that's the Asianway."

But in truth, I wanted to participate. I wanted to run up to Timmy like a crazy person and yell, "YOU'REIT!" I just didn't know how.

Outside on the playground, sitting alone at recess, I learned to hate being Asian. I wanted desperately,more than anything, to be white.

I immediately forced my parents to stop calling me Jun Hyuk at home. I named myself after some guyin a live-action children's television series, and by God, they were going to call me by that name. I gotrid of my fitted vests for loose-fitting basketball jerseys. I bought tickets to an Incubus concert andthrew away my K-pop2 CDs. I stopped reading Korean children's books in order to figure out what thehell was going on with James and his giant peaches.

At the dinner table, I committed the two worst sins that a Korean son could possibly commit: I stoppedspeaking Korean and I stopped eating Korean food. My parents would try to talk to me over a bowl ofkimchi stew, and I would pout and ask, in English, if we could order the Meat Lover's pie from PizzaHut. For my 11th birthday, my mom made me my favorite Korean dish, oh jing uh bokkeum (spicy stir-fried squid), and I looked at her with disdain3 as I declared, "This is disgusting." The next day for dinner,she made me a cheeseburger. I promptly told her it tasted inauthentic and made her drive me toMcDonald's. Oh, and no more special snacks either. Unless they were artificially flavored and made byKraft. (I was a heinous4 child. Sorry, Mom.)

I graduated from high school and moved to New York City for college, where my primary goal was toblend in. But more and more, my new friends wanted to know about all the things that made meuncomfortable in the Midwest. To them, being an immigrant made me interesting. At dinner parties,people would fawn over the Korean food and ask for my mom's recipes. They even wanted to knowabout my childhood in Seoul. And at karaoke, people were genuinely excited that I could sing both GirlsGeneration and Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn." All of a sudden, being different was an asset, not a risk. InNew York, I didn't have to be ashamed about being an Asian immigrant. I could just be ashamed abouteverything else in my life.

[10]

[15]

2. K-pop, also known as Korean pop, is a musical genre originating in South Korea.3. Disdain (noun): the feeling that someone is unworthy of one’s respect4. Heinous (adjective): utterly wicked, hateful, horrible

2

“Hello My Name is ______: How I Learned to Stop Whitewashing Myself” from Lenny Letter by Jason Kim. Copyright © 2017 by Jason Kim. Usedby permission of the author. All rights reserved.

A year after I finished graduate school in playwriting, almost two decades after I'd landed at Lambertairport, Lena and Jenni5 cast me as an Asian American graduate student on the fourth season of Girls.Almost immediately after the episodes aired, I began receiving emails, tweets, and Facebook messagesfrom young Asian American writers, actors, and performers, who were excited to see a fellow Asianface on TV.

I was shocked. How could this be? I appeared on the show for, like, a millisecond, and my Beyoncésweatshirt was definitely doing more work than I did onscreen. It was genuinely baffling to think thatanyone could look at my very Korean face and feel a sense of connection, much less react in a positiveway to the very features I hated about myself for so long.

We are at the point in our culture where people are finally beginning to talk about Asian identities inthe media. I have not been at the forefront of those issues. I have been crouching in the back, hiding inthe corner, watching people like Margaret Cho, Daniel Dae Kim, Ali Wong, George Takei, Constance Wu,and Aziz Ansari courageously speak up about the various issues that Asian Americans face inHollywood.

The issues exist both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. There are barely any roles writtenfor Asian actors. And in general, the roles that can be played by a person of any race do not tend to goto Asian actors. Worst of all, the few roles that should go to Asian actors — some very high-profile —are being portrayed by white actors. Behind the camera, there are equally few Asian American writers,producers, studio executives, authors, and editors, and while there are certainly a significant numberof people struggling to make it, their efforts seem to go largely unrecognized.

I have always been terrified of speaking up on behalf of diversity, which to me means a state ofinclusion — a choice to be aware of the vast and profound6 range of identities in this world, includingyour own.

I have been terrified because I grew up in a country without many visible Asian Americans in theculture, and I learned to hate every part of myself that felt foreign and strange. Unfortunately, yearslater, this is a problem that many young Asian Americans continue to face. How do you understandyourself in a diverse country that actively chooses to ignore your particular kind of diversity?

At one point during my 20s, I took a long, dramatic look in the mirror and realized, You will be Koreanfor the rest of your life. As a teenager growing up in the Midwest, that thought made me cringe. Now, itmakes me happy and deeply proud.

My dream now as a 30-year-old is for our country to become a place where a cameo like mine wouldgo completely unnoticed. And to see every third-grade teacher tell his or her students, "Keep yourname. You don't have to change a thing."

[20]

5. referring to the show’s writers, Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner6. Profound (adjective): very great or intense

3

Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. PART A: Which of the following best identifies the main claim Kim develops in the text?A. Asian Americans should be encouraged to embrace and celebrate their

identities in America.B. The difficulty Kim experienced accepting his identity as a child was due to the

lack of Asian American actors he saw on television.C. Asian American actors continue to be denied opportunities in the media

because of their Asian identity.D. Kim pursued playwriting in college with the objective of increasing the presence

of Asian American actors in entertainment.

2. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “I spent most days at recess sitting alone on the sidelines, eating the special

snack that my mother had packed.” (Paragraph 8)B. “In New York, I didn't have to be ashamed about being an Asian immigrant. I

could just be ashamed about everything else in my life.” (Paragraph 16)C. “We are at the point in our culture where people are finally beginning to talk

about Asian identities in the media.” (Paragraph 19)D. “How do you understand yourself in a diverse country that actively chooses to

ignore your particular kind of diversity?” (Paragraph 22)

3. PART A: How does Kim’s inclusion of his experiences as a child contribute to the text?A. It shows how difficult it can be to adjust to a new school.B. It encourages readers to celebrate the diversity of their peers.C. It emphasizes how ashamed Kim felt of his Asian identity.D. It depicts the strained relationship that Kim had with his family.

4. PART B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “I still vividly remember my first time at recess, a confusing experience for

several reasons, in large part because hanging off monkey bars and makingeach other cry during dodgeball were not educationally sanctioned activities inAsia.” (Paragraph 6)

B. “Before I could answer, another teacher rang out, ‘Maybe he likes sitting alone.Maybe that's the Asian way.’" (Paragraph 11)

C. “Outside on the playground, sitting alone at recess, I learned to hate beingAsian. I wanted desperately, more than anything, to be white.” (Paragraph 13)

D. “My parents would try to talk to me over a bowl of kimchi stew, and I would poutand ask, in English, if we could order the Meat Lover's pie from Pizza Hut.”(Paragraph 15)

4

5. How did Kim’s experience on Girls impact his views on Asian identities in the media?

5

Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. When have you ever felt like a part of your identity was not accepted or encouraged? Whatdid you do?

2. In the context of the text, can you change your identity? How did Kim attempt to change hisAsian identity? Was he successful in this? Why or why not?

3. In the context of the text, why do people follow the crowd? Why did Kim feel compelled toadopt certain practices of American culture? Cite evidence from this text, your ownexperience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

6

Name: Class:

"Yul J. Kwon" is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Yul Kwon, From Bullying Target to Reality TVStar

By NPR StaffFrom Npr.Org 2012

Yul Kwon’s early life was mired with a host of challenges. Born to South Korean immigrants in New York,Kwon never had a positive role model from his community. In 2006, he decided to join the cast of Survivorand make a name for himself in popular culture. As you read, take notes on how Yul Kwon overcame hispersonal demons to become a role model for other Asian Americans.

Yul Kwon first earned his game-changer statuswhen the Yale University-trained lawyer put hiscareer on hold to compete on the CBS showSurvivor in 2006. He became the first Asian-American to win that show's $1 million prize. Thatled to work as a special correspondent for CNN, alecturer at the FBI Academy, and deputy chief ofthe Federal Communication Commission'sConsumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau.

Kwon currently hosts the news program LinkAsiaon LinkTV, and recently finished hosting PBS'America Revealed, a mini documentary seriesabout agriculture, transportation, energy andmanufacturing.

Being A Target Of Bullying

Kwon's early life involved a host of challenges. He was born in 1975 in New York to South Koreanimmigrants. He tells Tell Me More host Michel Martin he had a severe lisp as a kid, so many peopleassumed he was a foreigner who could not speak English properly. Kwon says he grew increasinglyquiet to avoid being teased or beaten up.

"But as people who've been bullied are well aware, the more quiet you are, the more you attractbullies," he says. "And it started to be a real problem for me. I started to develop a number of socialanxiety disorders."

Kwon says these issues continued for many years, partly because he did not see many role modelsfrom his community. He watched a lot of television (as a way to learn English), and in the rare timeswhen he did see Asian-Americans onscreen, they were portrayed in negative stereotypes.

"If you're a guy, you're either a Chinese cook, or a gangster, or a Kung Fu master who could kick buttbut can't speak English, or a geek who can't get a date," says Kwon. "And so, over time, I think I justinternalized a lot of these images and I became that quintessential Asian-American."

[1]

[5]

1

Despite a difficult childhood, Kwon went on to earn a bachelor's in symbolic systems from StanfordUniversity, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.1 He also earned a juris doctorate from Yale LawSchool, where he served on the editorial board of the Yale Law Journal. He worked in law, politics andbusiness, then made what some would consider a surprising shift to television.

Becoming A Star Of 'Survivor: Cook Islands'

Kwon says he never imagined that television was an option for someone like him, but one day, hereceived an email from a Survivor casting agent who was seeking Asian-American contestants.

"It turns out that the reason they wanted to do this was because they had a twist to that season," hesays, "which was they were going to divide the contestants into racial tribes and have a war of races."

Kwon initially was not interested in participating, but then he thought back to his hunger for positiverole models as a child. He says that if he had seen them, it might have helped him build courage,confidence and an image of himself as a potential leader.

"The great thing about a reality show is that it's not scripted, so I don't have to play a stereotype, I don'thave to play a role where I'm speaking with an accent," he says. "And so I thought if I did well on theshow, I could potentially be the kind of role model that I didn't have when I was growing up."

Kwon surprised even himself by winning the show, a victory he attributes to fair play. He says hewanted to apply all the things he learned from working in law, politics and management consulting,and to play an intelligent game that did not involve backstabbing.

He says the win also brought him closer to his father, who initially discouraged Kwon from joiningSurvivor. He says his performance on the show prompted his father to say something he'd never heardbefore: "He said, 'Yul, I'm sorry.' And I'm like, 'What?! Who are you? You're not my father,' you know.And I asked him, 'Why are you sorry?' And he said, 'You know, I've always just kind of viewed you as thiskind of kid who's trying to figure out what he wants to do, and you know, didn't really have it together.And then I saw you on the show, and I'd seen what kind of man you'd grown up to become, and I wasreally proud of him. So I'm sorry that I doubted you.' "

Making Headway For Asian-Americans

Kwon says that in recent years, television audiences have seen more Asian-Americans playing rolesthat don't descend2 into stereotypes. He points to actor Daniel Dae Kim. Kim now stars on the CBSseries Hawaii Five-O, but had his breakthrough role as Jin on the hit TV series Lost.

"What Daniel Dae Kim told me when he first took on the role was, 'Look, I want to bring a level of craftand artistry to this role that no one else can. And in doing so, I want to create a narrative arc thatallows this person to become a three-dimensional character.' And that's exactly what he did on Lost.Over the arc of that whole series, he became one of the most popular characters on that show."

[10]

[15]

1. Phi Beta Kappa is an honorary society of college and university undergraduates and some graduates to whichmembers are elected on the basis of high academic achievement

2. Descend (verb): move or fall downward

2

"Yul Kwon, From Bullying Target to Reality TV Star" from NPR.org, © 2012, National Public Radio. Reprinted with permission, all rightsreserved.

Regardless, Kwon notes that Asian-Americans still have a ways to go in achieving equality on screen. Hesays he would like to "use media to get to a point where people look at us as Americans — as opposedAsian-Americans, African-Americans or any other subcategory. But first and foremost, we'reAmericans."

3

[RI.2]

[RI.2]

[RI.3]

[RI.4]

Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. Why did Yul Kwon develop “a number of social anxiety disorders”? Select TWOanswers.

A. Because Kwon was bulliedB. Because Kwon was Asian-AmericanC. Because Kwon was pressured to achieve academic successD. Because Kwon’s father was abusiveE. Because Kwon watched a lot of televisionF. Because Kwon lacked a role model

2. Why did Yul Kwon agree to join the cast of Survivor?A. Because Kwon wanted to win the $1 million cash prizeB. Because Kwon was tired of law school and wanted a new challengeC. Because Kwon wanted to embody the role model he had missed out on as a

childD. Because Kwon was opposed to the way Survivor had cast Asian Americans in the

past

3. Describe the relationship between Kwon and his father. Cite evidence from the text inyour response.

4. PART A: Which of the following best describes the meaning of the phrase, “three-dimensional character,” as it is used in paragraph 15?

A. An actor who can successfully play three different kinds of rolesB. A character who is believable and complexC. A character who is simple and unexplainedD. A character who becomes the most popular

4

[RI.1]5. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “…casting agent who was seeking Asian-American contestants…” (Paragraph 8)B. “‘…I don't have to play a stereotype…’” (Paragraph 11)C. “…a level of craft and artistry…” (Paragraph 15)D. “…one of the most popular characters on that show.” (Paragraph 15)

5

Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. Yul Kwon believes that the media often portrays Asian-Americans as negative stereotypes.What other groups, if any, are negatively portrayed on television? Explain your answer. Usespecific examples in your answer.

2. Who is a positive role model for you? What makes this person worthy of emulating orimitating?

3. How did Yul Kwon overcome adversity? Use specific examples from the text.

6

Name: Class: Date:

Pairing Questions for "Hello, My Name Is ______" and "YulKwon, From Bullying Target to Reality TV Star"

Directions: After reading the texts, choose the best answer for the multiple-choice questions below and respond tothe writing questions in complete sentences.

A. When Asian Americans continue to speak their native language, they don’tlose their connection to family and culture.

B. When Asian Americans speak about the dangers of trying to fit intoAmerican culture, they help younger generations avoid changing theirpersonalities to be accepted.

C. It is important for Asian Americans to learn American culture as quickly aspossible so they don’t feel like outsiders.

D. When Asian Americans speak about their experiences as minorities, theyhelp younger generations feel comfortable in American culture.

1. Which statement best identifies a shared central idea in both “Hello, My Name Is ____” and“Yul Kwon, From Bullying Target to Reality TV Star”? [RI.2, RI.9]

2. Compare and contrast how Jason Kim and Yul Kwon reacted to the challenges of beingKorean Americans. [RI.3, RI.9]

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Name: Class:

"Group of Women Airforce Service Pilots and B-17 Flying Fortress"by U.S. Air Force is in the public domain.

Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly GirlsBy Susan Stamberg

2010

The following article is a production of National Public Radio (NPR), written by Susan Stamberg. DuringWWII, a shortage of male pilots in the United States led to the formation of a group called WASP — theWomen Airforce Service Pilots. Stamberg reports on this relatively little-known group, and its struggle fornational and military recognition. As you read, take notes on the challenges these women faced as pilotsand after their time in the program.

In 1942, the United States was faced with asevere1 shortage of pilots, and leaders gambledon an experimental program to help fill the void:train women to fly military aircraft so male pilotscould be released for combat duty overseas.

The group of female pilots was called the WomenAirforce Service Pilots — WASP for short. In 1944,during the graduation ceremony for the lastWASP training class, the commanding general ofthe U.S. Army Air Forces, Henry “Hap” Arnold, saidthat when the program started, he wasn’t sure“whether a slip of a girl could fight the controls ofa B-17 in heavy weather.”

“Now in 1944, it is on the record that women canfly as well as men,” Arnold said.

A few more than 1,100 young women, all civilian2 volunteers, flew almost every type of military aircraft— including the B-26 and B-29 bombers3 — as part of the WASP program. They ferried new planes longdistances from factories to military bases and departure points across the country. They tested newlyoverhauled planes. And they towed targets to give ground and air gunners training shooting — withlive ammunition. The WASP expected to become part of the military during their service. Instead, theprogram was canceled after just two years.

They weren’t granted military status until the 1970s. And now, 65 years after their service, they willreceive the highest civilian honor given by the U.S. Congress. Last July, President Obama signed a billawarding the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday onCapitol Hill.

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1. Severe (adjective): very great or intense; harsh or strict2. describing someone not in the military or police force3. A bomber is a combat aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets by dropping air-to-ground weaponry, firing

torpedoes or deploying air-launched cruise missiles.

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Women with Moxie

Margaret Phelan Taylor grew up on a farm in Iowa. She was 19, had just completed two years of collegeand was ready for adventure in 1943 when a Life magazine cover story on the female pilots caught hereye. Her brother was training to be a pilot with the Army. Why not her? She asked her father to lendher money for a pilot’s license — $500, a huge amount then.

“I told him I had to do it,” Taylor says. “And so he let me have the money. I don’t think I ever did pay itback to him either.”

But there was a problem. She was half an inch shorter than the 5-foot-2-inch requirement.

“I just stood on my tiptoes,” she says. When she arrived at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, wheremost of the WASP were trained, “Well, there were a lot of other short ones just like me, and we laughedabout how we got in.”

Short, tall, slim, wide, they all came in knowing how to fly. The military trained male pilots from scratch,but not the female civilian volunteers.

“They didn’t want to bring in a bunch of girls who didn’t know how to fly an airplane,” says KatherineSharp Landdeck, associate professor of history at Texas Woman’s University, who’s writing a bookabout the WASP, tentatively4 called Against Prevailing Winds: The Women Airforce Service Pilots andAmerican Society. “So you have women who are getting out of high school and taking every dime theyhad to learn how to fly so they could be a WASP.”

A Dangerous Job

Once when Taylor was ferrying an aircraft cross-country, somewhere between Arizona and California,she saw smoke in the cockpit. Taylor was trained to bail out if anything went wrong. “But theparachutes were way too big. They weren’t fitted to us,” she says. “The force of that air and that speedand everything, why that just rips stuff off you. You’d slip right out.”

So her plane was smoking and Taylor faced a defining moment.

“I thought, ‘You know what? I’m not going until I see flame. When I see actual fire, why, then I’ll jump.’”

Was she scared? “No. I was never scared. My husband used to say, ‘It’s pretty hard to scare you.’”

The plane’s problem turned out to be a burned-out instrument.

But 38 female pilots did lose their lives serving their country. One was 26-year-old Mabel Rawlinsonfrom Kalamazoo, Mich.

“I’ve always known of her as the family hero,” says Rawlinson’s niece, Pam Pohly, who never knew heraunt. “The one we lost too soon, the one that everyone loved and wished were still around.”

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4. Tentative (adjective): without confidence or certainty

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Rawlinson was stationed at Camp Davis in North Carolina. She was coming back from a night trainingexercise with her male instructor when the plane crashed. Marion Hanrahan, also a WASP at CampDavis, wrote an eyewitness account:

I knew Mabel very well. We were both scheduled to check out on night flight in the A-24. Mytime preceded5 hers, but she offered to go first because I hadn’t had dinner yet. We were in thedining room and heard the siren that indicated a crash. We ran out onto the field. We saw thefront of her plane engulfed in fire, and we could hear Mabel screaming. It was a nightmare.

It’s believed that Rawlinson’s hatch malfunctioned, and she couldn’t get out. The other pilot was thrownfrom the plane and suffered serious injuries. Because Rawlinson was a civilian, the military was notrequired to pay for her funeral or pay for her remains to be sent home. So — and this is a commonstory — her fellow pilots pitched in.

“They collected enough money to ship her remains home by train,” says Pohly. “And a couple of herfellow WASP accompanied her casket.”

And, because Rawlinson wasn’t considered military, the American flag could not be draped over hercoffin. Her family did it anyway.

The Program Is Pulled

The head of the WASP program was Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneering aviator. (After the war, shebecame the first woman to break the sound barrier.)6 Cochran’s goal was to train thousands of womento fly for the Army, not just a few dozen integrated7 into the men’s program. She wanted a separatewomen’s organization and believed militarization would follow if the program was a success. And itwas. The women’s safety records were comparable and sometimes even better than their malecounterparts doing the same jobs.

But in 1944, historian Landdeck says, the program came under threat. “It was a very controversial timefor women flying aircraft. There was a debate about whether they were needed any longer,” Landdecksays.

By the summer of 1944, the war seemed to be ending. Flight training programs were closing down,which meant that male civilian instructors were losing their jobs. Fearing the draft8 and being put intothe ground Army, they lobbied for the women’s jobs.

“It was unacceptable to have women replacing men. They could release men for duty — that waspatriotic — but they couldn’t replace men,” Landdeck says.

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5. Precede (verb): to come before6. “Breaking the sound barrier” refers to the point at which a vehicle or aircraft goes beyond the speed at which sound

travels.7. Integrate (verb): to make part of a larger unit or group8. “The draft” refers to military conscription, in which people are made to enlist into military service instead of

volunteer.

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And so, Arnold announced the program would disband by December 1944, but those who were still intraining could finish. The Lost Last Class, as it was dubbed, graduated, but served only 2 ½ weeksbefore being sent home on Dec. 20, along with all the other WASP.

Lillian Yonally served her country for more than a year as a WASP. When she was dismissed from herbase in California, there was no ceremony. “Not a darn thing. It was told to us that we would be leavingthe base. And we hopped airplanes to get back home.” Home for Yonally was across the country inMassachusetts.

That was a familiar story, but Landdeck says there were some bases that did throw parties or had fullreviews for their departing WASP.

Riling The WASP’s Nest

The women went on with their lives.

A few of them got piloting jobs after the war, but not with any of the major airlines. And some of themstayed in the air as airline stewardesses. In those days, no major commercial airline would hire theseexperienced women as pilots. Like many World War II veterans, most WASP never talked about theirexperiences.

And according to Taylor, they never expected anything either.

“We were children of the Depression.9 It was root hog or die. You had to take care of yourself. Nobodyowed us anything,” she says.

The WASP kept in touch for a while. They even formed a reunion group after the war. But that didn’tlast long. Then, in the 1960s, they began to find each other again. They had reunions. They startedtalking about pushing for military status. And then something happened in 1976 that riled the wholeWASP’s nest.

“The Air Force comes out and says that they are going to admit women to their flying program,”Landdeck says. An Air Force statement says “it’s the first time that the Air Force has allowed women tofly their aircraft.”

Thirty years later, that comment still upsets former WASP Yonally.

“It was impossible for anybody to say that. That wasn’t true. We were the first ones,” Yonally says.

The fact that the WASP were forgotten by their own Air Force united the women. They lobbiedCongress to be militarized. And they persuaded Sen. Barry Goldwater to help. He ferried planes duringthe war, just as the WASP did. And then, in 1977, the WASP were finally granted military status.

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9. The Great Depression (1929-39) was the longest-lasting economic downturn in the 20th century in the Westernworld.

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©2010 National Public Radio, Inc. News report titled “Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly Girls” was originally broadcast on NPR’s MorningEdition on March 9, 2010 and is used with the permission of NPR. Any unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited.

Over the years it has been reported that the WASP records were sealed, stamped classified andunavailable to historians who wrote histories about WWII. According to archivists at the NationalArchives, military records containing reports about the WASP were treated no differently from otherrecords from the war, which generally meant the WASP records weren’t open to researchers for 30years. But unlike other stories from the war, the WASP story was rarely told or reported until the1970s.

"It’s hard to understand that they would be forgotten and difficult to believe that they would be left outof those histories. But even they forgot themselves for a while,” Landdeck says.

In 1992, to preserve their history, the WASP designated Texas Woman’s University in Denton as theirofficial archives.

Yonally is proud to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, 65 years after her service, but she’ssad that fewer than 300 of her 1,100 fellow WASP are alive to receive it.

“I’m sorry that so many girls have passed on. It’s nice the families will receive it, but it doesn’t make upfor the gals who knew what they did and weren’t honored that way,” Yonally says.

Taylor is also excited about the medal. She served her country out of loyalty, she says. That wascertainly part of it. But the other reason? “I did it for the fun. I was a young girl and everybody had leftand it was wartime. You didn’t want to get stuck in a hole in Iowa; you wanted to see what was goingon.”

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Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. Summarize the central ideas of the text in no more than two sentences.

2. Which statement best explains why women were needed as pilots during WWII?A. There was a shortage of male pilots in the United States, so women were trained

to fill those positions.B. Women replaced the shortage of male pilots, allowing the male pilots to enter

combat.C. The burden of WWII finally convinced the U.S. to accept female pilots into the

military.D. A larger production of planes needed a greater increase of trained pilots to fly

them, so women were called to fill these roles.

3. PART A: What does the phrase “root, hog, or die” mean as used in paragraph 33?A. It is a term expressing self-reliance.B. It is a term expressing persistence.C. It is a term expressing eventual failure.D. It is a term expressing surprise.

4. PART B: Which of the following phrases best supports the answer to Part A?A. "never expected anything”B. "children of the Depression”C. "you had to take care of yourself”D. "nobody owed us”

5. Which of the following statements best summarizes the purpose of this article?A. To notify readers about an upcoming event that will honor the WASP womenB. To spread awareness about a forgotten or little known part of women’s historyC. To explore double standards or discrimination against women in the militaryD. To encourage today’s military leaders to enlist more women in the air force

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Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. What is the historical relationship between women and the military, at least in the UnitedStates? Consider reasons why women weren’t allowed to serve and/or the circumstanceswhich allowed them to contribute or fight in conflicts. Cite evidence from this text, your ownexperience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

2. Is it more acceptable for women to serve in the military today? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think was it acceptable for women to serve for men as pilots, but not to replacethem?

4. How do we define the roles of men and women? Cite evidence from this text, your ownexperience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

5. In the context of this article, what makes a hero? Cite evidence from this text, your ownexperience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

6. In the context of this article, how are communities formed? What brought the female pilotstogether and what kept them together? How did their community help them receiverecognition? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, orhistory in your answer.

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Name: ___________________ Class: ___________________ Date: ___________________

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