First Marking Period (through page 46) Summary

Melinda's parents confront her at dinner. The interim reports have come in and her grades-except for art-are way down. She's always done much better than this. They shout at her, but Melinda doesn't respond, finally just getting up and going to her room. Her parents continue, now arguing with each other.

The next day, Melinda tries to pay attention in biology and even enjoys looking at cells through a real microscope. She arrives at algebra class with only ten minutes left, but she has her late pass to show the teacher. Melinda always excelled in math, but she hates algebra. She's not alone, though; every day someone asks why they have to learn algebra. Today, Mr. Stetman calls on Melinda for an answer and calls her to the board. He has Rachel come up to...