Part One: Chapters 12 - 18 Summary

To help prepare for college, LaVaughn joins a Grammar Build-Up Club to improve her vocabulary, helping place her at the same educational level as students who attended private schools. The teacher, Dr Rose, is a no nonsense woman determined to send each of her students to college. She regularly spouts inspirational mottos and slogans, encouraging the children to rise above themselves and their situations. Even though it's difficult, LaVaughn knows it's where she's meant to be, that she deserves to better her life. There are many things giving LaVaughn unexpected hope for the future: the grammar class, the bird mural she's recently painted on her ceiling, and of course, Jody returning to her life. There are many things that leave her feeling sad such as her friends pulling away from her, Myrtle's father's return to rehab, and...