Almost American Girl

Robin struggles in school. Her favorite class is English with Mrs. Halls, who gives Robin picture books to read. Robin and Mrs. Halls exchange letters so Robin can slowly decipher English writing with a dictionary and practice writing back in English. Sometimes Robin consults with her stepsister Lena to understand Mrs. Hall’s colloquialisms. Robin is jealous of Lena, who is petite, has trendy clothes, and speaks English well.

Bryan and his friends continue to torment Robin at school. Her stepcousin Ashley is also mean to her. Sometimes Ashley will lie or feign ignorance when Robin asks for clarification on something the teacher said. One day, Robin misses the yearbook photo because Ashley lies about when it is. As a result, her teacher Mr. Johnson is frustrated and raises his voice at her. Robin is upset and cannot express herself in English. She confesses everything in a letter to Mrs. Halls, who encourages her to stand up for herself.

Robin finally tells her mother what has been happening with Ashley. Ashley’s parents talk to her about how disappointed they are; Ashley yells that she does not have to help Robin and threatens to lie to her more before storming off.