Third Marking Period (through page 137) Summary

Melinda is having more trouble functioning. Even in art class, she can't do anything. Mr. Freeman says that her imagination is paralyzed and presents her with a huge book on Picasso. "Picasso," he says, "Who saw the truth. Who painted the truth, molded it, ripped from the earth with two angry hands." Melinda opens the book. When she moves into the chapters of the artist's Cubist work, something in her shifts dramatically, excitedly. She's inspired at last and draws a Cubist tree for Mr. Freeman, who beams his approval.

One day after school, Mr. Freeman gives Melinda a ride to meet her mother. On the way, he compliments her progress in art class. Melinda finds herself talking easily to him. As they part company, Mr. Freeman tells Melinda he thinks she's a good kid with...