Page 16 - Brave Bird at Wounded Knee - I Am America
P. 16
people sometimes raised their eyebrows or stared. With
her brown hair and eyes, sometimes they thought she was
Mexican. Her skin was lighter than her dad’s, but still tan
enough that Laura, who had red hair and the complexion
to go with it, was jealous.
“Well, time is flying,” said Miss Ashman, ending the
discussion. “Please open your books to page 124.”
Patsy flipped to the page and was relieved to find a map
of state capitals. There was nothing confusing or dangerous
about state capitals. The students spent the rest of class
labeling a mimeographed map of the United States. But
when they lined up to go to the art room, Miss Ashman
asked her to stay behind.
“Patricia, you seemed a little upset during current
events today,” Miss Ashman said when the other kids were
gone. “Anything bothering you?”
Patsy stared at her sneakers, wondering what she should
say. After what her classmates had said, she didn’t feel like
discussing her family with her teacher.
“Miss Ashman, do you know what the American Indian
Movement is?” she finally asked.
16
9/9/22 4:21 PM
JFP_IAA_BIRD_FPGS.indd 16
JFP_IAA_BIRD_FPGS.indd 16 9/9/22 4:21 PM
