That time I learned the reading groups were social currency.
I was behind in reading.
So my parents made me read to them every night.
It was hard, and I hated it.
One time I picked "Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should be a Vet!" by Theo LeSieg.
My Dad told me it would be too hard for me, even though I'd improved.
And it took me a few days, but I finished it.
I remember expecting him to be impressed, but he wasn't.
In fact, he seemed a little annoyed that I'd been right.
And, after a while,
As my Mother likes to say,
It clicked.
My Teacher called a group of us students to the back of the classroom.
We were all reading so well that she created a new reading group.
The "Angel" reading group were the top readers in the class.
At the end of the year, she decided to record a read-a-loud on a cassette and play it back for the class.
However, we would do this in our old reading groups.
Where I had been on the lowest rung.
She emphasized we were not to make any mistakes, and I was nervous.
When it was my turn, I tried my best, but I stumbled over the word dog and stuttered.
My Teacher scowled. "Well, now you've ruined it."
YOU ARE READING
What My Mother Forgot
Non-FictionBefore reading this, you should know... This is not a happy story. There is no happy ending. Simply put, this is a chronological account of the abuse, neglect, and bullying I suffered at the hands of loved ones from birth to 17 years old. It does no...
