Owning It: Stories About Teens with Disabilities

Topic: Disability Publications
Author: Donald R. Gallo
Published: 2009/07/01 - Updated: 2009/07/02
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics

Synopsis: I could see myself like one of those street musician guys with the wild hair and shaggy beard.

Introduction

I hate it when teachers shout. What's his problem? I looked up at Mr. Forester, who was huffing down the aisle toward my desk. First period on Monday, you'd think he'd have the decency to let us ease back into the grind. School's enough of a drag without having to plunge right into quadratic equations, the Great Depression, or the use and misuse of the gerund.

Main Item

Review: Everything is under control as far as Brad is concerned. Is he the only one who doesn't see there's a problem? Here's to Good Friends DAVID LUBAR "Spit out that gum!"

I hate it when teachers shout. What's his problem? I looked up at Mr. Forester, who was huffing down the aisle toward my desk. First period on Monday, you'd think he'd have the decency to let us ease back into the grind. School's enough of a drag without having to plunge right into quadratic equations, the Great Depression, or the use and misuse of the gerund.

"Ratner, spit out that gum right now. I asked you three times. Are you deaf "

"Me"

Mr. Forester pressed right up against my desk. "Is there another Brad Ratner in the room" "If there is, I hope he did my homework."

I heard some choked-back laughs from around the room. I glanced over at Jordie and grinned. Forester bent forward and got right in my face. "Now."

I pushed my chair away from the desk and walked over to the garbage can. Patoooee. Thunk. I love the sound gum makes when you spit it into a can. I wonder if there's some kind of career where I could do that. Wouldn't that be awesome? I could see myself like one of those street musician guys with the wild hair and shaggy beard. Playing the gum can. Yeah. I could set up different cans, with different sounds. Pass the hat. Make enough money to buy more gum. Maybe get famous and be in Rolling Stone. Brad Ratner, world's best rhythm spitter. Of course, a beard might be a bad idea, with all that gum.Crap. Forester was shouting again. I headed back to my seat. Almost tripped, but I caught myself. Maybe I should tie my laces. Not cool, but definitely less trippy.Forester glared at me and shook his head.

"Every day, Ratner. It's getting old.

"Yeah, so are you.At least he left me alone for the rest of the period. I met up with Jordie in the hall when the bell rang.

"You better watch it," he said. "Forester is going to give you detention."

"Nah. He can't. I've got detention deficit disorder. "Damn. That was pretty funny. I let out a laugh as I realized what I'd said. "Yeah, that's it. I've got DDD. Got a note from my doctor. I even have a prescription for attituderol. They gotta treat me special. It's the law."

Jordie gave me a push. And then he forgot all about everything in the world except his glands because his main squeeze, Carla, was coming down the hall. Carla. Yum. She was fine. Hot. Smart. Fun. She had this body that, if she was made out of cake, you'd eat the whole thing because it would be impossible to stop after a couple bites. She reached us and gave Jordie the sort of hug that's illegal in seventeen states. Lucky man. I think they're going to be together for life. That's cool. I was happy for them.

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Candlewick (February 26, 2008)

Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763632554
ISBN-13: 978-0763632557

Explore Related Topics

1 - - In Search of Teressa is a memoir written born out of a partnership between two women: Teressa, a woman diagnosed with several personalities, and international brain and behavior expert Lynette Louise.

2 - - In Seach of Teressa: A Journey into the Mind of a Woman with Many Personalities, by Author Dr. Lynette Louise.

3 - - The book from up-and-coming sci-fi author M.D. Nicholson, Mare City: The Complete Saga, immerses readers in a 725-page odyssey of adventure, mystery, and drama.

4 - - In her new book Dr. Sheila Redfern advocates for reflective parenting as essential for building resilience and security in young people to navigate the storm and stress of adolescence.

5 - - Disability Worlds chronicles and theorizes 20 years of immersion in NYC's disability worlds as parents, activists, anthropologists, and disability studies scholars.

Complete List of Related Information

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Donald R. Gallo. (2009, July 1 - Last revised: 2009, July 2). Owning It: Stories About Teens with Disabilities. Disabled World. Retrieved October 15, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/teens-with-disabilities.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/teens-with-disabilities.php">Owning It: Stories About Teens with Disabilities</a>: I could see myself like one of those street musician guys with the wild hair and shaggy beard.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.