Chapter 14: Language Arts Class with Miss Gordon

Arrival to Class

• Catherine and the narrator (Melanie) arrive to Miss Gordon's language arts class.
• Rose, a fellow student, becomes the center of attention due to her new lime green laptop.
• Rose demonstrates all the capabilities of her laptop, including internet access, homework utilities, uploading pictures, and a new MySpace page.

Melanie's Reflection

• Melanie feels envious and dreams of having a computer that meets her needs.
• Describes her ideal computer:
  • It would speak for her.
  • Store all her words.
  • Have large keys.
  • Connect to her wheelchair.

Communication with Catherine

• Melanie communicates her desire for a better computer than Rose's, specially designed for her.
• They share a moment of understanding and humor.

Class Announcements

• Miss Gordon reminds the class of the biography project due dates.
• Class will meet in the media center for project preparation.

Biography Project Discussion

• Connor jokes about doing a report on "Thomas Crapper," but is corrected by Miss Gordon.
• Connor decides to research the founders of McDonald's instead.

Melanie's Biography Choice

• Melanie chooses to write about Stephen Hawking.
• Questions she has about Stephen Hawking:
  • How he manages daily activities like eating and drinking.
  • Personal care (e.g., using the toilet).
  • Being a dad.
  • His communication devices and their capabilities.

Conclusion

• Melanie expresses her desire for a similar communication device to Catherine.
• They decide to research the possibility.