Charlie Monologue

• Charlie’s friend Howard notices she is upset about something and asks what’s wrong. She refuses to say anything, and he explains, “My mama says you should never keep your troubles to yourself. She says if you share ‘em with somebody, they get smaller” (p. 47). This reminds me of my own family. I talk on the phone with either my mother or sister every other day. They live several hours away, but always make time to talk on the phone. They are my lifelines, the ones I share my troubles and ask for advice. When I speak with them, my problems seem more manageable and they remind me of other positive aspects of my life.
• When Charlie went to bed, she pictured a clothesline full of somebody else’s troubles. She made of list of other’s troubles,
The house was full of chaos with 5 boys, stacks of books, games, shoes, crumbs, pillows and blankets covering the floor, and walls covered with artwork with “Nice Job!” written on them. At the end of the night, Mrs. Odem made the rounds kissing and hugging each boy. Charlie recognized the love and good hearts of the family (p. 70-72). This reminds me of the families in the book Maniac Magee. The large, inviting, boisterous Pickwell family from the West End and the caring, traditional Beale family from the East End were both welcoming and loving families despite enduring judgments and prejudices against
3-4). This stereotype reminds me of a real-life event that still exists in society today. Hillbilly is used as a comedy act and a derogatory term to describe a poorly educated person, that has bad teeth, is out of touch with modern culture, and wears worn out clothes. This stereotype was reinforced during the 2016 election and is seen negatively in U.S. society.
• Charlie explains to her uncle how she is going to catch and keep the dog. Her uncle thinks that dog would rather be a stray. Charlie reflects on her own feelings, “I knew what it felt like to be a stray, not having a home where somebody wanted you. And he was a fighter. Like me” (p. 34). This reminds me of the many children in our society that can relate to Charlie and go through life without feeling a sense of belonging. They come from broken families, don’t eat a decent meal, and fight to survive. As a teacher, it is important to do everything I can to help my students in the classroom without letting outside negative influence