I'm tired of school. I just got home after a horrible day. I went to my science class and Mrs. Crowder gave me an F on my test. 1 thought I had studied a lot! I know I spent a whole week going over
rall of the stuff didn't know. She didn't seem to care when
she handed it back to me either. Here's the thing I can't tell my mom that I got an F because she thinks I'm supposed to be a
doctor and go to college. I'm only in the 8th grade so l've got plenty of time to figure all of that out. But I think the main reason
1 got an Fis because I just can't concentrate lately. Mostly it's because of Danielle's presence in my class.
I had another argument with Danielle today. I have no idea why she is so focused on making my life miserable. We were really
good friends in elementary school and had sleepovers all the time. It seems like ever since we went to middle school, she just
became different. I don't think she's friends with any of us who were together from Kindergarten through s grade. I feel bad
that we went our separate ways, but I never thought she would tum against me. Apparently she told the other girls in our
science class that I'm rich, but not very smart." I'm assuming this is because she saw my dejected face when I got my science
test back. We are not rich either. Not that I know of, anyway. I still wear the same jeans, shirts, and shoes that everyone else
does. If1 were rich, I'd beg my mom to take me out of this school and put me in a bigger, nicer school somewhere far away on a
remote island where Danielle can't bother me. Danielle spends every single day thinking of something negative to say about me
and seems to waste a lot of time whispering to her new friends about me. I just wish she would tell me to my face instead of the
whispering. It's so annoying and distracting when I'm trying to pay attention in class. Mrs. Crowder doesn't seem to notice
anything is wrong either. I'm tired of feeling edgy all the time and I've been thinking of ways to defend myself
or get back at
Danielle every single day. I will come up with something eventually. Of course, I'm not going to say anything to any of my
teachers because then Danielle will win and probably call me a tattlctale. I wonder if I'm the only one she's after this year. 1
don't see her picking on other girls (or guys) in my class.
1
Identify Ana's conflict.
2. In your opinion, do you think this conflict is unavoidable or helpful? Explain.
3. In your opinion, what makes this conflict difficult for Ana?
4. What could be some examples of negative consequences if Ana continues to avoid Danielle?
5. What do you think Ana should do?